Lately, it has been hard being single while it seems like everyone is in a relationship. When I was younger, I always had this idea that I'd be married by 22 -- 24 at the very latest -- and have my first kid by 25. Now that I'm officially in my 20s, I realize that my lifelong plan isn't working out the way I wanted it to.
All around me I see happy couples, and especially this past Valentine's Day, I noticed how many people are moving on to that point in their life where they're finding their soulmate and taking the next steps. Pretty soon, I know many of my friends and family members will start getting engaged.
Everyone hits that point in their life when they realize that they want to find their "better half" and start the newest adventure of their life and start a future with that person. I'm currently at that point in my life, but I guess my better half isn't, or I just haven't met him yet.
At first, I was really bothered by this realization, but lately, I realized that it's OK. I'm OK with being single at this point of my life. I haven't found that person who I want in my life for the rest of my life. I'm completely ready to settle down, but I'm not willing to settle.
I'm not picky; I'm just waiting for the right person. If it takes waiting another 10 years to find someone I want to settle down with, that's OK. I will not settle for the first guy who comes along. I won't settle for someone who I don't see a future with.
I'm not going to casually date or long-term date people who I don't have a true connection with. I'm not going to spend months or even years with someone if it doesn't feel right from the start. That's a waste of my time. I'm not going to rush into something and force feelings that aren't there.
I have a longing to settle down, but I won't settle for someone who isn't my best friend. I need someone who understands me and actually wants to learn more about me-- someone who will actually want to get to know me, not just someone who thinks they know me. I need someone who I can consider my partner-in-crime, my soulmate, my person, my better half, and my best friend.
For now, I'll sit on the sidelines while I watch the happy couples around me. I'll watch as people find their person, and be happy for them. I won't be bitter. I know it's going to suck to continue waiting, but hopefully it'll be worth the wait.
"Somewhere out there, there's a real good man just as frustrated as you are that he hasn't found you yet. The man who's meant for you? There's no way he'll give up on you, so don't you dare settle before he gets here." - Unknown
