One thing that literally drives me over the edge is the idea of girls my age feeling like they have to "settle" for the love they are receiving because they're so caught up in the IDEA they have of what things could be like for themselves in the future. I have one word which I will repeat multiple times to you, no, nope, nah, never, sorry no. Don't you dare settle for less than you deserve!

Be with somebody who makes every day feel like the best day of your life, somebody who showers you with love and can turn any awful day into something more beautiful than the last. You owe it to yourself to be happier than you could have ever dreamed of being. Somebody that can instantly pull you out of that funk you're in and make you laugh endlessly. Somebody who will surprise you with some late night pancakes or just a much-needed hug and some words of affirmation (because who doesn't like to hear their boyfriend call them pretty)

Be with somebody who treats you like their best friend. If your boyfriend isn't your best friend, get out and find someone who will be. Somebody who brings you around his friends and family, somebody who just enjoys your company, somebody who wants the world to know you're theirs. It's easy to get so caught up in the idea of dating, that you forget how important a friendship is. Be with somebody you want to grow with, somebody you can make silly jokes with, somebody who will support you in all you do. Somebody you want to grow old with.

Be with somebody who makes you want to be a better person. This goes without saying, you deserve to be loved by somebody intelligent, and kind-hearted, somebody who will make you want to work to be better for them. Somebody who constantly challenges you to grow in all that you do. Somebody who will encourage and work with you to strengthen your relationships with others. Somebody who will never devalue you. Be with somebody who wants to walk with you hand in hand, closer to God. Somebody who wants you to be the best version of you out there, and somebody who will never stop hyping you up and brag about you to everyone they know.

And finally,

PLEASE be with somebody who makes you happy. You are young, but not too young to be in love. Love has no age, no time stamp, and no capacity. So love somebody who makes you feel like you're safe like you've made the right decision. All relationships are an investment in your future, whether you marry your first love or not. Don't let anybody dictate the way you feel or who you love, but please do take care of yourself.

Please know you will never have to settle, the man of your dreams is out there, you could meet him at 15 or you could meet him when you'd least expect it. You deserve a ferocious and contagious love that makes others wish they had the same, just don't you ever settle.