It is hard to not feel bad about not having a significant other living in a time where there are so many people out there publicizing their relationship. Wherever you look, there is always a relationship to admire and envy across social media, or even surrounding you in real life.

I would like to think of myself as a decent person, but I've only ever been in a couple of relationships throughout my life and I am totally fine with that. However, other people find it strange, or uncommon, and have questioned me about why I haven't found myself in a relationship.

"Are your standards too high?"

"Do you have abnormally high expectations?"

'Why don't you like anybody who likes you back?"

Every single time I am asked these questions, I have to try to contain myself from either rolling my eyes or becoming defensive of my own decisions when I shouldn't even have to.

I will admit that I have raised my standards because after getting hurt over and over again, I realized that something needed to change. I also feel as if I am afraid to date in fear of getting hurt again. but that is a story for another time.

However, I do know that when the right person comes along, I will be more than willing to give a relationship a try. In my opinion, if I am about to engage in a romantic relationship, I have to make sure that both myself and the other person are ready to make such a commitment.

I am not the kind of person that will experiment with something that seems like it won't go anywhere just for the sake of trying. I want to be comfortable and I want to make sure that there is some actual chemistry. I am not the kind of person who will pursue a relationship merely for the purpose of being in one.

In today's day and age, so many people believe that they have to be in a relationship to ward off the feelings of loneliness they have inside them. They disregard red flags and/or vital details, and jump into something that they are not ready nor prepared for.

Sorry but also not sorry everyone, I am not that person. I want to feel like my significant other and I are on equal footing and are always on the same page. If I end up being the only person to put effort into communicating and conversing, I do not want to partake in the relationship either.

Communication is more important than I can even begin to stress to you. It is KEY to having a healthy relationship with anybody in any context. If somebody's communication skills are questionable, I do not think I could handle being their significant other.

I would rather be alone than be in the company of somebody who I cannot effectively communicate with. I get defensive when people tell me to lower or ignore my standards because that's not who I am, and that's really not how anyone should be.

Unless your "high standards" are unrealistic than you are fine with the standards that you set for yourself. Yes, life can get very lonely, and it is tough sometimes to not want love and affection but don't sell yourself short.

Try to be content with yourself, and take the time to see if a relationship is right for you. If you do in fact still want a relationship, make sure to put your needs first.

You deserve to find someone who meets your criteria, wants, needs, etc. and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.