Every time I scroll through social media (and lets be honest, that's a lot), I'm bombarded with articles either expressing the utter bliss of being in a relationship, or advice columns asserting that you have to follow just five simple steps in order to find a relationship to be in. Either way, there's an underlying assumption in so much of today's media that we should all be involved in a romantic relationship in order to be truly happy. Obviously, as human beings, it's wired in our DNA to yearn for human connection -- we're social creatures after all. However, not enough attention is paid to the multiple other relationships in one's life that can fulfill us just as well, and more often than not, better than many boyfriends/girlfriends could. As a 20-something year-old woman who has a lot of experience in the single department, I am happier than I've ever been -- but that hasn't happened on my own.
First and foremost, in place of a significant other, I have many significant others. The most significant of these others are my family. We aren't perfect and I would never want us to be, but I get all of the support, love and FaceTime calls a girl could ever ask for.
I've also been #blessed with the best when it comes to the quality of friends I have in my life. These significant others are always there to give me advice when I don't want to listen to my mom's (disclaimer: most of the time, it's the same advice). They are readily available to have seemingly meaningless talks for hours with while discussing which of us is the biggest "Friends" fan, and sit with me in comfortable silence as we contemplate life's toughest realities.
The best part about having many significant others rather than just a singular person that you rely on for everything, is that family and close friends are just the beginning. We have mentors, professors, inspiring sorority sisters, and many other ties that support us, help us grow, and share our happiness with. Now don't get me wrong: I'm in no way trying to disavow romantic relationships. They're great when they're healthy and allow both parties to grow individually with the unconditional support of the other. However, one's worth is not defined by their relationship status.
While being FBO with your new beau is exciting in its own right, I don't mind being undefined. I'm not "in a relationship," "complicated," "married," or "divorced." But you can catch me where I'm happiest -- spending time with my multiple significant others.
