I'm the picky girl. The one that refuses to date a guy "just because." Just because I'm bored, or just because I'm supposed to. A relationship to me means more than just a date to prom, or someone to keep me company. I expect more from a relationship and have always been willing to wait for the "right one."

I'm a firm believer in fairy-tale love. The kind that ends happily ever after. If you step back and really think about it, it's obvious that this type of love is what everyone wants. I mean, if you go into a relationship with no intention of spending the rest of your life with them, what's the point? Why would you want temporary happiness? Doesn't everyone want a lifetime of happiness? I find these questions extremely helpful when trying to decide if a relationship is worth pursuing. I can't help but feel that when it's real, I'll know.

Temporary relationships are just one reason I refuse to lower my standards. Unfortunately, there are many people who don't even plan on forever. So, who cares if they don't meet all of your standards, right? Wrong. This is why I set them high and refuse to lower them. Even a little can lead to more, and then where do you draw the line?

Ever met someone who seems absolutely perfect... except... [fill in the blank]? They have almost everything you've always wished for, but there's that little thing that you feel like you can look past. Then you begin to see more and more about that person that makes it hard for you to find the perfect person you once saw. No one is perfect, and I'm not expecting Mr. Perfect. I am, however, expecting Mr. Perfect-For-Me. I have no time to waste on people who are only seeking temporary happiness. I want the real deal, eternal happiness, and I absolutely cannot let people interfere with that.

My biggest reason behind refusing to lower my standards is pretty obvious, really. I won't lower my standards because my heavenly father has someone beyond perfect for me. I may not know him yet, or maybe I do, either way I know he will come, and I must be ready for him. If I want to be ready for the relationship God has in store for me, I must first keep my standards intact. That's how I'll know, and there will be no quality left behind.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Proverbs 31:10-11

So, go have fun with your friends, because there is no shame in being the "third wheel." Enjoy being single, and spend time preparing yourself for the relationship that is to come. It will be so worth the wait.