The title of this piece could be construed as attempting to be vain, but that isn't the case. I have the right to voice my opinion and feel the way that I feel. This isn't me bashing couples or anyone in a relationship.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not anti-relationship.

I have friends in relationships that are working for them. I'm happy that they are in a place in their lives where they feel like being in a relationship is best for them. I have a few friends that are engaged or already married. I will say the same thing: I'm happy that they are happy with their choices. I know that someday I will want the same thing, but right now, its not in the cards for me.

They have their lives, and can live them how they please. I have the same right. This is my experience with being happy just being with me, myself, and I.

I want to talk about me for a moment.

Recently some people in my life have asked me why I'm not dating. I responded, "I don't know." But after thinking more about the situation, my response is this: "I'm focusing on myself."

People have asked me if I am sad that I'm single. My response? "No."

My friends have attempted to play matchmaker in the past and recently, I have realized that I don't want setups. I don't have any desire to be in a relationship right now, and more importantly, I don't want people to feel sorry for me because I am single. I'm not any less of a person because I'm choosing not to date. Don't pity me for making this choice. I've consciously decided this.

I am single, and also happy with being single.

Being single is one of the most freeing feelings in the world.

I'm a college student. Senior year is almost here, and I need to focus on my studying and my current job. I have friends, and a social life, but I'm not looking to date in college.

I want to focus on graduating next spring, and avoid distractions from relationships. For me, being in one would complicate everything right now. I would rather worry about school and work at the moment and during the coming months.

I want to be able to look back on my college years and say I experienced everything that I wanted to. I don't need a guy in the mix to complicate things. Right now, I don't know where I am headed in life, and I don't want to be tied down. I don't need strings that will hold me back from wherever I am destined to go.

After graduation, I might not stay in my hometown, and I don't want to feel conflicted about leaving any more than I would be because of my friendships that I have made in college. My future is important to me, and I want to be sure that the people who stay in it consider me important.

I want to discover myself more fully before I decide to let someone else share in my everyday life. I want to be able to travel and see more of the world before I begin to settle down.

I don't have the rest of my life on track. I'm not sure when I will. I know I won't ever have everything completely figured out. Nothing goes exactly as planned. I'm not one to stand by and just let life happen. I like to plan things out, and avoid surprises as much as possible. I realize that I won't be prepared when Mr. Right or 'Seems Like Mr. Right' shows up. At this time, I'm not actively looking for him though.

I have the rest of my life to date. I have so much time to meet the right guy and fall in love. I have endless opportunities to find someone to spend the rest of my life with.

When the time comes, I will date. Hey, I might even find someone that I like who also is interested in me this year, but I'm not specifically looking for that.

Please don't rush me. I will date when the time is right.

For now, I am happy being myself.