"So are you seeing anyone ?" "Any prospects?" "I bet you're fighting everyone off with a stick!" "Why are you still single? You're a catch!" All questions you have inevitably gotten at any family gathering since you were old enough to date. By the time you're getting ready to graduate college these questions start to come more frequently and aggressively. It sometimes seems that it matters more that you graduate with a relationship rather than a degree. Being single in your twenties isn't "sad" or "a shame" it means you are living your life and there is no shame in that.

There is too much pressure in society to be in a relationship, or get married, or have children. Society is rushing us to move faster than we are comfortable with. Being in a relationship is awesome and if you're in one that is great and I sincerely hope it works out, but it just isn't for some people. Is the idea of actually wanting to be single so far fetched? What is wrong with being able to do absolutely anything you want, when you want it without holding back? I know relationships aren't prison and I am not trying to make them out to be but it would be a lot harder to pick up your life and move to a new city, state, or country, if you are in a relationship and the other person doesn't share that same dream or desire with you.

Your 20's is about finding yourself, finding what you love, finding what you hate, becoming the person that you want to be. I have seen too many people spend their whole high school and college lives in relationships, then when those relationships fail, the people don't seem to know who they are or what to do with themselves because they have grown up and based who they are around this person.

Relationships should not be a first priority, especially while you're in college. Sure they can be fun if you do find someone, but don't base your worth and college experience on whether or not you have a significant other. Live your life, make friends, make memories, do what makes you happy without fear of losing someone. You'll end up regretting the choices that you made that held you back.

Next time an old friend from high school, or a family member asks "So, are you seeing anyone?" before anything else, tell them that relationships come second to yourself, you are living out your dreams and you are waiting to find someone who is good enough to live them with you.