A common question these days is, "So, any special person in your life?" I hear it from family, friends, and even random customers at work, and the answer is always a slight laugh followed by a resound "Nope." I guess the 20-something years are the time when most people find their person, get married, and start thinking about having a family. But that's just not for me right now.
I'm in no rush to get married. If the right guy comes along, I'm not going to turn a cold shoulder, but the fact of the matter is that I'm not looking for it. I don't need attention to be happy. I have amazing friends, a loving family, and an education and career to focus on. I'd rather 4.0 my sociology exam instead of going out to some classy restaurant for a dinner date. I'd rather research the stock market instead of worry about why "that one guy" won't text me back. I'd rather spend a summer interning in Washington D.C. instead of being tied down and committed at home.
I've had a boyfriend before. I've been on dates. I've "talked" to guys for a few weeks but never felt like my standards would be sufficiently met. Speaking of standards, they're high. I'm picky about everything - hair, height, education, personality, values, whether or not they like sports - and it just so happens to be that no one has met those standards yet. And who knows, they might never be met, but at this time in my life, I'm okay with that. I am content. I'm not going to settle just because everyone around me has someone to call theirs. The person I marry will be the one I fall head over heels for, the one I spend the rest of my life with. I'm only getting married once, so I'm sure as hell going to take it seriously.
My friends are getting married, and some are already having kids. I'm not against it, I'm just not ready for it yet. I want it someday, but it's not the key to my happiness right now. Commitment can be a wonderful thing, but it can also tie down restless people like me who just want to get out in the world and do big things. I'm more than ready to be the "cool aunt" who takes the kids to the pool and buys them one too many ice cream cones, but I don't want my own just yet. I have so many people to meet, places to visit, and new things to try. Sure, it might be nice to have someone walking with me through these new adventures, but I'm not stressing about it. I'm only 22.
Someday I might meet my person. Maybe. Maybe not. I might have already met them and don't even know it yet. But for now I'm going to pursue my dreams, further my success, and patiently wait. There's no rush.