DISCLAIMER: I'm not writing this because I “saw the light" and found someone to take me out of the single life. I'm still like you in every way. I'm just 100 percent okay with it.

I've had my fair share of heartbreak and WTF situations when it comes to relationships, but I haven't really had a serious long term relationship in my life. Honestly, my lifestyle is mostly to blame for it. I'm a workaholic with a million different responsibilities. When and if I have free time, I watch Netflix and do other miscellaneous activities that keep me sane. I also am in love with the single life. Going out with friends sans hovering boyfriend is the ultimate dream. I'm also insanely picky. The pool of guys to choose from is just really subpar, and although I'm surrounded by great people, I don't think any of those guys are for me. Lately, I've heard friends and peers mention they don't think they'll ever find anyone. They are convinced they will die alone, and frankly, that attitude needs to stop. Today.

There are a lot of things to keep in mind while your single. It isn't this awful time that so many people live it out to be. It can actually be super empowering, and it serves as a time to accomplish some incredible goals to ultimately improve your life.

Never settle.

I've seen so many friends suffer through unhealthy relationships. Don't do that to yourself! If you know it won't work in the long run, then maybe you should commit to a relationship that will. I can't help but feel sorry for the ones who are knowingly in a relationship they know won't work. When it comes to relationships, settling is unsettling to you, your partner and everyone in between.

Commit when you're ready.

Don't enter into a relationship because you feel obligated, your afraid of not getting experience, or you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Plus, a false commitment will lead on your partner, and that's one of the worst things you can do. Commit to a relationship because you actually know it will be beneficial for everyone involved and you are ready to be in a relationship. Not to mention, your distant relatives are going to fire some crazy critique and feedback on your Facebook Official post for days, and that takes some insane mental preparation to handle – trust me.

Take care of yourself.

If you don't have a guy to treat you like a princess, then you sure as hell better treat yourself like one. As the great Tom Haverford once said, “Treat yo self." You don't need someone to spoil you rotten when you are capable of doing that on your own. Act in ways that make you feel good about yourself. If you want to drop a lot of money here and there to do something you love, I definitely condone it.

Become more positive.

Engage in things that will make you happy. For me, that's keeping busy with student leadership positions, jobs, and spontaneous trips. You should be radiating positivity to others around you, but if you're unhappy with your life, that's close to impossible. Become comfortable with your single life. Use your time to better others in the community or do something that you've always wanted to do. Go on that trip with your best friend you've always wanted to go on, or apply for an internship across the country. You're going to regret those missed opportunities. Time is running short. You never know when the man of your dreams is going to sweep you off your feet and ultimately change your priorities. (But if he's really that awesome, he'll support you to live out all those things or even do them with you.)

Be patient.

I know it's annoying, but it's crucial to be patient. Impatience can fuel some pretty dumb decisions and can definitely stress you out. Don't take out your impatience and negativity on your friends who are happy with their significant others either. I see this all the time. Engagements and baby announcements on Facebook have the college world screaming on a daily basis. Quit bashing your friends who just got married or are having babies. Sure, it's not your cup of tea, but maybe it is for someone you know. You know that saying “If you're happy, I'm happy?" Yeah, this applies here. Find peace in your best friend's happiness, not longing feelings for wanting the same thing. Whether single or taken, you still have a life to live, and that should be a blessing, not a burden.

Don't be so upset about being single. Honestly, it should be the opposite. I understand there is heartbreak and loss, and that is completely justified. However, now is the time to live your life! Make the most of your time. Have fun with your best friends. Get your dream job. Be the President of a campus organization. Hey, if you want to date or actively pursue a relationship, knock yourself out! Set healthy goals that will better your life and make your experiences worthwhile. It's worked out for me so far, and I love my life.