At first glance, I didn't think that the above cover photo was at all relevant to this topic. However, after taking the time to really think about what it illustrated, I just couldn't help but see myself in the woman pictured. Yup, she is definitely me: just frustrated with her books and done with living the same old lifestyle she's lived for the past 22 years. Of course, we can't make any guarantees about whether she's actually 22, but it's definitely clear that she's had enough of something. In my case, it's the fact that I'm already 22 and have only been in one serious relationship.

While that's not necessarily an issue, it's certainly something that gets to me on a daily basis. I'm not even ready for a relationship right now, that's the problem. I have too many obligations to worry about to the point that I know I wouldn't be able to handle it. Yet, I still wish I were in one right now. How do people do it?

How do they just sit there and say to themselves:

"I'm just going to do what I have to do and wait for the right one to show up."

Good for you; I'm glad you have the ability I wish I had: to just put the thought of having a relationship on hold. Apparently, the best way to do that is to "get busy". Okay, well, what about when it comes to walking alone on the sidewalk to get to my car in the middle of the night after a long day? Those are the times that I want nothing more than to just call my significant other to tell him about my day so that I'm less scared to continue walking. Or, what about when I can't talk to someone else about something because they're too busy or just don't want to hear it?

Have you ever sat across from an empty chair before? I can almost guarantee that the reality of your singleness has haunted you then, too. What's even more intimidating is when you see someone who's younger than or inferior to you in some aspects, yet they're in a relationship and you're not. Before you hate on me for saying that, I want you to really think about it for a moment. Haven't you ever felt that way before?

The truth is, I've experienced both sides: being single and being in a relationship. I've even been in the middle of both, wherein I've tried to make someone fit into my life's puzzle even though I know they wouldn't be the right piece. Heck, I've even had people treat me exactly the way I've always dreamed of being treated by my significant other. And guess what?

I still feel like part of me is missing.

Trust me, I'm with you. I'm 22 years old and living in a world where the friends I've known for years are already getting proposed to, celebrating their 6-year anniversaries, having kids, or are already on relationship number (God knows what). It's a lot of pressure only because I end up thinking:

"Where the hell is he, already?"

And

"When am I going to get my chance at love?"

I will get my chance, that I know for sure. Actually, I look forward to the day when I'll (hopefully) be able to reopen this article and laugh at the screen with my husband and kids by my side. For now, though, I've just got to keep pushing through.