Going to a Christian college, the pressure around being in a committed relationship is often extremely intimidating. With the "ring by spring" expectation of an engagement by the spring of one's senior year, those of us who are still single feel left behind. Did we do something wrong? Are we really expected to be engaged right now?

The answer is no. Bible belt expectations should not determine such an important decision in one's life, and I am here to tell you that it is okay to be single. Actually, I embrace it. College is a time where so many of us are still trying to figure out the next steps in our lives. Schoolwork and extracurricular commitments are plenty to keep the average college student busy. A relationship demands time and money that most college students just aren't prepared to provide. And that is okay! I am in no way bashing those in dedicated relationships in college or those who are already engaged, but there is no "correct" path for everyone.

Now, I am going to go into why I actually see it as beneficial to be single. Speaking from personal experience, I am still learning to take care of myself. There is no way that I am ready to take care of a husband and commit to all the responsibilities of being married (let alone children). I am still discovering my passions and where I want to go in life. Without someone tying me down, the world is my oyster. After college, I can move anywhere I wish, take any job I wish, and do whatever I wish without feeling guilty for being selfish. Furthermore, relationships can take a toll on one's emotional health when college is already quite the emotional rollercoaster. I have seen friends crushed by relationships gone wrong and am honestly glad I don't have to worry about that. Relationships can also be restricting. Sometimes, I just need to take personal time away from studying and socializing, but relationships require a constant influx of intimacy and time that I might not always want to give. And that is certainly not fair to whomever I am dating.

There are some people who are going to argue with what I am saying and maybe even accuse me of being selfish for saying this, and I won't argue! I am selfish at this point in my life. I'm selfish, because I'm focusing on my future, not our future. Ultimately, to each their own, but to all those without a significant other out there - it is okay! Be you, and embrace the single life.