It's an ache in your chest that never really goes away. It's a fire that's been burnt out so many times that the spark is completely diminished. Maybe it was the one person you thought would be your forever, and then forever went up in smoke. Or maybe it was someone that got away or it didn't work out. Whatever the reason, you can feel your heart breaking into a million pieces every time you see a new couple or you hear about your friend's "best boyfriend ever." You wish you could have that, or you wish you still had that.

I get it, believe me I do. I understand what it's like to not really know if love is worth it. Or to think that you might never have happy ever after. But I'm telling you, you still can. Don't lose all hope.

You're allowed to still dream and hope and want everything possible from a relationship. You're allowed to want to be asked out on proper dates or you're allowed to skip the hookups if you want. You're also allowed to party, to chat, to mingle and do whatever the hell else you please. You're young, you're allowed to have fun.

Love is a wonderful part of life, but it's not your whole life. Remember that you still have so many awesome things going for you even if you don't have that special someone. But please remember that if you do want someone else to share your life with, that's perfectly fine. You deserve to get that amazing storybook kind of romance. You deserve to not have your heart shattered or be waiting for hours on end for someone that never shows up. You deserve the loyalty, trust and respect that comes from a relationship with a strong foundation and a good 'better half.'

I'm so sorry that people have wronged you in the past. I'm sorry if that one boy hurt you or someone betrayed you when you were together. But please know that not everyone is like that. There are still nice people in this world and you'll find one to share yours with.

Being single isn't a death sentence or a social life ruiner. It gives you the freedom to meet more people and to actually focus on things that make you happy. So please remember that it's okay to take time away from the drama, the cheating, the rumors or the lies. Know that there are better things coming forward. And please take care of your own heart in this whole process -- it needs time to put itself back together. You'll know when you're ready to try dating again.

You know what you deserve. You also know what you don't want because you've learned lessons. Be proud of that, and don't lose sight of what can be possible in a new relationship. Don't give up on love because hope isn't for suckers. I wish you all the best, know that you can have that.