The time has come again known as "cuffing season" - where people begin entering relationships, meeting their partner's families, cuddling by the fire, stealing their partner's hoodies, and spending money on gifts as tokens of love and appreciation for a significant other. For many, it's a beautiful and romantic time for getting closer to a special someone and getting to know them better. For others, maybe it's a more negative time of hiding, secrecy, or judgement by friends and relatives over their choice in romantic prospect. And then for others, it's a time that serves as a painful reminder of just how lonely single life can be.

Of course, there's pros to being single. No worries about petty arguments or someone stealing all the covers. Being able to go out wherever and whenever you want without having to check in with someone. Being able to flirt around with people and talk to whomever you want. No stealing hoodies or food. No extra money being spent on another person. Sure, these are nice benefits. However, single life isn't always fun. It's especially not fun when you're single by life itself instead of by choice. Sometimes it's just too frustrating being the third wheel for hundredth time when hanging out with friends. Sometimes it's just too aggravating being asked by your family for the umpteenth time if you're seeing anyone and when you're going to bring someone home to "meet the parents." And don't even get me started on the sappy romantic movies and constant love songs.

There's times when I feel content with being single. Most days, I get by and remember that this is the perfect time in my life to focus on myself and my goals. It's the time for me to improve myself-my physical health, my spiritual relationship, my academic pursuits, and my mental and emotional well-being. But then there's also those moments when I see a friend or family member with their partner or spouse, when I see couples out holding hands, when I see my peers wrapped up in the arms of another, and I can't help but feel jealous. I see so many others around me in love or simply just seeing someone else who is interested in them, and I wish it were me.

My aunt had talked to me once about being single and satisfied-being content with where I am right now and focusing on improving myself and strengthening my relationship with God, and that in due time, the one God has for me will come along. I remind myself of this all the time, and some days it works, whereas other days, it still doesn't help fix that empty feeling that comes.

I don't consider myself desperate. I'm not depressed. I don't feel deprived. Honestly, it's just that I seek that close companionship that so many of my friends and relatives have had. My fantasies are of attending music concerts, going on adventures around cities, driving around on road trips, even building blanket forts together. Things that others may consider sappy or lame or more friend-like, I desire in a partner one day. Especially because I seek more than just "hooking up" with someone, I find being with someone in a friendship-based relationship makes getting closer with someone more exciting, grows more trust, and fosters more love and genuine interest to make sure that neither person is wasting their time.

I do believe that there's someone for everyone, and that my someone will come soon enough. Until then, I'll enjoy the Valentine's Day sales to stock up on sweets and nights out with friends, being carefree for the moment.