We live in a generation where we kiss, hold hands, hug, love hard, and do things that couples do, but the minute when one person asks, “What are we?”, it is almost always the answer, “I don’t want a relationship.” This generation fails to see successful relationships, and it hurts me to see this happening.

As a teen in this generation, other people, as well as myself, have grown tired of being heartbroken by guys who do not have a care in the world if we are in a relationship or not, as long as they get what they want. To shield themselves from getting hurt again, teens guard their hearts. No matter how hard they try to keep their guard up, I let it down a little, just for a second whenever I like a guy and then I end up heartbroken all over again.

This constant trend, as well as this generation’s views on dating, is tiring. I have questions that I periodically ask myself. What happened to the old fashioned way of dating? You know, asking the woman’s parents if it is fine to take their daughter on a date? What happened to date and then asking the woman if they could be something more than friends? Why is it that this generation is so worried about having sex without marriage, as well as being concerned for each other mentally, physiologically, as well as the emotional wellbeing before doing so?

I do not want to have any part in this generation’s view of dating whatsoever. I believe that if two people act like a couple, then they should be a couple and not be confused as to where they stand. This generation needs a lot of self-reevaluating because it is obvious that we are setting a bad example for the younger generation that is growing up behind us.

I refuse to be a part of this. I lead by example and if I participate in the ”friends with benefits” trend that today's generation is doing, then I would be showing someone who looks up to me, like my brother or my godsisters that it is fine to show love without being loved. Love is a beautiful thing and even with this messed up generation, I do have some sort of faith that each heartbreak will teach you a lesson. It is fine to be in a relationship. You do not owe anyone your body. If you find yourself asking that guy or that girl about the relationship status between the both of you, and you do not get an answer or get “I don’t know,” then leave. You are worth so much more than a hookup.

Being single is a great thing, and I would gladly take being single over being with someone who does not want me any day.

I want the love where I do not have to question the relationship status that I have with the person. I want to have the love that people wait almost their entire lifetime to find. I want a love that is done the right way. I choose to be single because I know that there is a person out there who feels the same way I feel, and I cannot wait to meet him. Until then I will wait for him until he comes, whenever that may be.