We all know the infamous "talking" stage. At this point, it seems like a rite of passage in modern dating. However, does talking really get us anywhere?

As far as I'm concerned, the answer is no. Sure, it was a big deal in middle school. Unfortunately, some things aren't quite the same as you get older, and this concept is one of them. Nowadays, we seem to get so stuck on the precursor to a commitment that the occurrence where you do get past it are few and far between.

The reason why this happens is unbeknownst to me. Truthfully, there is a multitude of reasons as to why this may be the case. From fear of commitment to not knowing how to move forward to just not looking for a relationship, there seems to be a common theme: no one is letting themselves take a risk.

Taking risks does not always end up going in your favor, and I'll be the first to admit that. But when has anyone really gotten what they want out of life without taking a risk or two?

Risk-taking isn't easy, but neither is thinking back on all of the "what ifs" we tend to accumulate over the years. Oftentimes a lack of trust in the process could be tied to a specific event, whether it be one you experienced firsthand or witnessed others go through.

After an event results in a loss of trust, it's hard to let yourself be vulnerable again. You can be oblivious to how someone truly feels or be hyper-analyzing every piece of your interactions looking for the red flag you "know" is there. The thought of letting a new person into your life can feel absolutely terrifying.

While it's important to allow yourself to have time and process your own emotions it's also important that you don't allow your emotions to dictate how you live out your life. You have to take the time to remind yourself that you are strong and that you are worth it.

This is a hard concept to fully accept. Magazine headlines and trending topics on Twitter always seem to be highlighting the latest cheating scandals and separations.

The thing is, as commonplace as cheating seems to be nowadays it is not something that always happens. Yet despite this, we find ourselves fearing it happening to us.

It can be extremely difficult to open up to someone new, especially when you have feelings for them. Just because it can be difficult does not mean that it is impossible. Hopefully there will come a day that you feel ready to take a risk and see what could be next for you in life: a new job, relationship, or otherwise.

In reality, no one knows what could happen when you take a risk. At the end of the day, it's important to recognize that we are all people. Imperfect, flawed people. If love, or even life, were easy there would be no appeal to it.