I have been single for my whole existence on this earth ( this is the part where some people cringe or give me apologetic looks). The first response to this fun fact about me tends to be, " You just need to be less picky!" After the nonsense my friends tell me about lowering my standards are over, I try my best to explain my reasoning.

Have I been given chances to a relationship before? While of course! The thing is, I am not willing to make a commitment to someone that I don't see a future with. I believe you date to marry and I see no point in casually dating around. This is something I will never be sorry for.

I have never understood why people believe high standards are such a bad thing. I want the best for myself and I will settle for nothing less. Is this selfish? Maybe, but I do not think I can be the best person for someone else unless they are that person for me.

My standards are not unrealistic nor are they physical. I just have a hard time believeing that just any person is right for me. I am not asking for some man you only see in the movies, I just have an idea of the person in my head that will be the best suit for myself.

When you tell me to give more people a try, I hear "You just need to settle." I WILL NOT settle. I will not settle for someone who does not respect my family. I will not settle for someone who can not get along with my friends. I will not settle for the type of person that is negative or toxic. While a man with pretty eyes that can play the guitar would be great, that is not what I seek out for.

Being single has not been so bad. Watching friends jump from one relationship to another made me realize that you can not truly figure yourself out while in a relationship. I KNOW what I want and I KNOW that person is worth waiting for. It is so silly to me to settle for empty relationships due to fear of loneliness or judgment. A fulfilling relationship is worth the few lonely Netflix binge watching nights by yourself.

I do not mean to sound heartless, in fact, I intend the opposite. I am a supporter of love, but only when it is RIGHT. I completely understand that desire to find your person. However, that person will never come if you are in a relationship you are just settling for.

You can tell me that my standards are too high all you want, but I will simply smile and take it as a compliment as I walk away hoping that one day, you will love yourself enough to raise yours as well.