I am the pickiest person that I know.

And when I say picky, I don't just mean food. I mean hair, word choices in every email, and pretty much every aspect of my life. The characteristic that I am the pickiest about (and is most prominent to others) is my dating standards.

Maybe I wouldn't know quite that I was quite so if I wasn't reminded every single day. Although they mean well, many of the people in my life highlight this detail constantly.

"If I could get someone like him, I would NEVER say no."

"Is this REALLY what you want?"

"You might not get another chance like this."

You've got to be kidding me. Ugh. Sometimes, it wears me down to hear what others have to say about MY choices. After all, I'm not choosing the person who they spend their life with.

Every social media outlet is filled with quotes and statuses that complain about the current state of modern relationships. People believe that it is so much harder to find someone who is faithful and can continue to love despite the obstacles of a relationship.The reality is, if you don't find a quality partner, you are never going to sustain a relationship. If you are looking for the special someone, you need to find someone who suits you. You can't just be with someone to fill a void. You deserve someone who sees every beautiful part of you and wants to spend their life reminding you of the amazing gifts you have.

Don't settle for anything less than your best.

The point is this: I'm not here to live a mediocre life. I don't know when my sand is going to run out, and I don't intend to waste a single moment settling. Life is too short for settling. I once heard that the only fair thing in life is that we all have 24 hours in a day to do as we please. Be sure to use it well.

I hope that you have the strength to fight for the life and love you deserve. I hope you don't give in to dealbreakers just to solve loneliness. I hope you fall madly in love and spend your life nurturing that relationship. I hope you are downright picky, and more than happy to be.