All my life, I have never really been the type of girl that has to have a boyfriend at all times. While I do admit that being single can get lonely, and I do go through times where I wish I wasn't single, I have never settled for anything less than I deserve.

There are a ridiculous number of people in my life who refuse to be single for longer than a couple months at a time. I see some of my best friends have their heart broken and jump into a relationship with the next person who comes along, which could be 2 weeks later. That behavior will not bring a stable relationship, and it certainly will not bring happiness.

Being single is not a bad thing. Today's society makes it seem like if you aren't in a relationship, that you aren't worth anything. There are so many women who think they need a man to feel validated. They constantly need someone there to tell them they look pretty or that they're loved. A long time ago, I read the following: "You can't love someone else if you don't love yourself."

I sometimes go back and forth with the quote, as I can understand how easy it is to love yourself when you constantly have someone telling you that you're worth it and that you're pretty. However, it is just as important that you are telling yourself the same things every day. You shouldn't rush to be with someone just to hear them say those things to you. Sometimes, the biggest critic of all is the one in your head. I truly believe you need to tame your own demons in order to really give your all to someone.

I feel like I see people my age getting engaged or having children every day now, and while it does occasionally make me sad to think that I don't have that, I understand that it isn't my time yet. Settling for less than I deserve or trying to make it work with someone I'm really not that interested in isn't going to make me any more likely to be happy. Waiting for the right guy to come along isn't easy either, but at least I know I'm not selling myself short. I'm not settling.

I wish more women my age would understand that it's okay to be alone. I have learned so much about self-love and self-worth in last couple years. Of course I've had ridiculous crushes during that time and I've been hurt, but I'm happy knowing that I never got hurt by someone I didn't see a future with. What is the point of being in a relationship with someone if you don't see yourself marrying that person?

I also believe that the time we spend being single should not be spent hunting for a new relationship. I am an honest believer that true love will happen when you least expect it. Trying to hunt down someone to be with isn't the answer. Trying to force a relationship isn't going to make you happy. Be happy for those people in your life who have found their love in the world and be happy for yourself by knowing your own time is coming.