It's that time of the year again. Couples are posting pictures of their date nights, or of the presents they got each other... and of course it just happens to be posted onto what seems to be every social media app in existence. During the holiday season, there are the couples, and then there are us single people out there. We are a collection of people who get annoyed by the posting, who wonder where their "person" is, who wonder if they'll get a New Years Eve kiss, etc...

During this time of year, a lot of questions may arise from within us or from curious family members. For example, "Do you have someone special in your life?"

"Why can't I find the one?"

"Why aren't you dating anyone?"

Well, grandma, I'm not quite sure, if you have the answer, you can tell me anytime now. Anytime.

In all seriousness, sometimes trying to find the one can be a very difficult journey. Especially when you're the friend who isn't dating anyone, when you've been in multiple relationships, but they just don't seem to work, or even if you've never dated someone. It can be difficult in any situation.

Who am I to say this, you may wonder? Well, maybe I'm not the best person to be telling you this. I've only ever been in two relationships myself. But through those two very different relationships I've grown and learned a lot. One of the most important things that I have realized is that I need to learn to love myself before I can let anyone else love me, because the absence of that realization has only caused problems for both of my relationships.

Maybe that applies to you, too. Or maybe you just can't find anyone who has the same interests as you. Maybe you like someone but they don't like you back. Whatever it may be, I've learned that we need to be patient and have hope. Sounds cheesy and unbearably cliché, I know. But it's true.

I'm sure we've all struggled at one time or another. We've all probably lacked confidence in ourselves or in the ability to find a relationship. I think about it a lot myself. While I know that I do not need a man to make me happy, I admit that it would be nice to have someone special to dedicate my time to. I admit that it would be nice not to be so afraid. You see, I'm a lot as a person. I'm emotional, grief stricken, a bit dramatic at times. My taste in music ranges from heavy metal to weird indie music, I'm a little too obsessed with books, and I have multiple laughs (all of which are really, really weird, in my opinion).

While I just try to express the beautiful mess that I am, I'm scared that the right guy won't come along because there's so much of me to take in. But I trust that God has a guy out there for me who will be able to handle all of me. I want whoever my future husband is to find God first, then himself, then me. I have to just wait for him, and though the waiting sucks, I trust that it will be well worth it.

So, in the mean time, while you date or whatever it is that you decide to do, keep a few things in mind. Ladies, don't do anything with anyone that you don't want to do. Remember that no means no, and "I'm not ready," means no, too. If a guy can't accept that, he's not the one. Have confidence in the things that set you apart from everyone else. Your differences are you super powers; they are what makes you strong.

Gentlemen, your girl is out there. Maybe she's out dating a "bad boy" or maybe you guys are just friends at the moment. Be patient. She needs her time to figure things out, too. Love every quirk that you have and don't be afraid if you're a momma's boy, some girls appreciate the bond between a mother and her son.

I hope that you will eventually find peace, and even though you may still feel lonely at times, the one will eventually come along. So stop looking, searching, and trying so hard! Just be yourself, and learn to love every flaw you think you have. Have confidence, and when the time is right, you'll find each other.