In a world and society engrossed in the "hookup culture," I feel like an outsider.

When I say I'm dating to marry, or that I value certain relationship milestones, I'm given incredulous looks, gasps that are always over-dramatic, and silent judgment. This comes from people who are, simply, casual, dating whomever, sleeping with whomever, and having fun with whomever.

I feel the need to state that I do not look down on those who are part of the hookup culture. I've had my time there and saw the value of it while I was experiencing it. Now that I'm ready to put a stop to that part of my life, I shouldn't be judged for doing so.

Simply put, I don't judge the people who sit comfortably in the 2018 hookup culture, so don't consider me prude for making my way out.

I'm not too young to want to settle down.

I'm not too young to envision a future with the person I love.

I'm not too young to have a desire to mature and focus on what's important.

My desire to move past hookups is not a bad thing, just as others' desire to dive in head first is not a bad thing.

If you want to sleep with some guy or girl, wake up the next morning and go on about your day like nothing happened, more power to you. You deserve respect. You deserve kindness. You deserve to be treated like a person. Because you still are a person, and your desires don't lessen that.

And neither do mine.

It's not uncool to care about others. It's not uncool to envision a future. It's uncool, however, to judge for no damn reason.

You live your lives, hookup culture people, and I will live mine.

Sincerely,

The Girl Who Wants To Settle Down