Whether you have been in countless relationships since middle school or have made it through college without even getting that awkward first kiss, we have all been single at some point in life. After all, we are born single. Maybe some days that "relationship status" line on Facebook does not even cross your mind and other days the letters spelling "s-i-n-g-l-e" taunt you, making you question when the love of your life will hurry up and waltz in to sweep you off your feet--or if they will ever even show up. Wherever you are right now--perpetually single, newly single, about to be single--I know falling into a slump and believing you'll be alone forever is so easy. Of course I cannot promise that you'll be happily married in approximately 21 months, but I can remind you that single is not a synonym for anything negative, despite what you might tell your self in your dark moments. Going through periods when singleness feels like a curse is completely normal, but I want to remind you to take a minute and remember that your relationship status is not a measure of your worth as a human being, not for one second. Single people, this list is my encouragement--my beacon of hope--to you and to myself of what "single" is NOT a synonym for.

1. Your identity

2. Unsociable

3. Lonely

4. Ugly

5. High maintenance

6. Hopeless

7. Unloved

8. Too clingy

9. Incapable

10. Desperate

11. Unwanted

12. Lazy

13. Behind in life

14. Discontent

15. Worthless

16. Prude

17. Picky

18. Afraid

19. Boring

20. Invisible

21. Shy

22. Forever alone

23. Overbearing

24. Worthless

25. Needy

Single is not a synonym for you. You are beautifully created in God's image, you are loved, and you are more than your relationship status.