You've probably got at least two thoughts running through your mind right now:

1. What is a dating fast?

2. Why would anyone want to do a dating fast?

I thought the exact same things. In fact, I was hesitant to call what I was doing a dating fast for a while. I told myself I was taking a break from boys. But I wasn't... it was so much more.

After going through some not-so-healthy relationships my freshman year of college, I knew I needed to make an honest change in my life and how I viewed relationships. I love having someone else in my life. If I'm being completely honest, I don't like being alone (at least I really didn't before now, but we will get there). I like having someone to take care of and go through life with. I have always known that about myself.

But after going through a slew of people that kept hurting me and were not the ideal people for my life, I knew I needed to re-evaluate. I needed a break.

Taking a break from dating is easy. That's not something that demands something out of you, as you can still talk to people without having the intentions of committing to a relationship. It's easy to brush off casual conversations as not affecting your greater purpose of waiting for someone who's good for you. But they do.

In order to completely clear my head and be true to myself and what I want for my future, I decided to take my break from boys a step further. I gave it up to God.

I know. Y'all probably think I'm absolutely crazy. I thought the same thing too.

But taking an intentional break from everything involving boys was so much more meaningful to me because I was doing it knowing that God has something better planned for me.

For a whole semester, I didn't text boys that weren't already friends, didn't go on dates, ignored friends trying to set me up, and didn't seek out attention. I let it go.

I didn't know how long I was going to go on my fast, I kind of left it up to how I felt, but set the boundary of at least two months for myself. Starting off, as I was coming from a hurt place, I knew I needed to make that time 'mandatory' for myself, so I wouldn't fall into something due to feeling hurt.

After that, my fast became something I wanted to continue because it truly was freeing. I learned so much about myself, grew spiritually, and set my priorities straight for future relationships. I think I finally have learned to feel comfortable being alone, and it feels so good.

Coming back this semester, I have let myself 'be off the fast'. But my fast has prompted a lifestyle shift. I'm not actively seeking anything, and I'm not texting guys just because I want to talk.

If something comes to me, then that's great. Maybe, it will be worth the time and I'll invest in it. But I've learned that waiting and taking care of myself is a priority right now, and putting my faith in God when it comes to relationships is all I need.