Growing up, I was just like everyone else; wanting so desperately to "fit in."  Yes, part of "fitting in" meant having a boyfriend.  All of my friends seemed to be ahead of me in this department.  Although I continued to dream of the day that I would find a boy who exceeded all of my ridiculously high expectations (formulated thanks to romance novels),  I was secretly losing hope that I would ever find that special kind of love.  Granted, I did have a few relationships throughout my high school career.  However, I discovered fairly quickly that none of them were meant to last.  

There was a point where I went three years being on my own.  During this time, I talked to numerous people but none of them were genuinely interested in getting to know me, but rather wanted to take something I wasn't yet ready to give. You see, I've always considered myself to be a relationship girl.  I could not see myself being with someone in any shape or form whom I cannot picture a future with.  Not only is this a waste of my time, but the other individual's as well.  Because of my beliefs, I remained single.  I continued to grow more confident in myself and to learn what I wanted most out of life.  For me, it was a much needed journey of self-discovery.  When I was 15 years old, I was not prepared to be in a committed relationship because in order to do so, it would've meant losing myself and becoming someone I was not.  

God am I glad I waited because at 19 the most incredibly unexpected thing happened; I fell in love.  I found a man who was my opposite in many ways.  He was much more cultured when it came to relationships and how the real world operates, but he never allowed this to become a barrier between us.  Even though we faced opposition around every corner, we knew it was nothing more than we could handle because the love we shared dominated even in the darkest times.  

Meeting a good man who respects me and accepts me for the quirky individual I am has meant more than words can convey.  I would wait time and time again for that one man to come around.  I understand how difficult waiting can be, and after awhile you begin to feel defeated.  However, it's crucial that we do not lose hope.  It may sound cliche, but that person whom you haven't yet met but already need and love will come around at the right time.  And when they do, you will have realized that it was well worth the wait.