Dear Single College Student,
First off, this isn't a letter bashing on relationships. I'm not going to spend the next 500 words hating on love and all things it stands for. It is simply a letter for those who feel a little let-down.
I know what it's like to look around and feel lonely. Dozens of people you know are in long-term, committed relationships, some are even getting engaged. It seems like everywhere you go people are holding hands or exchanging kisses underneath the newly blooming trees. And you're happy for them, you really are. But sometimes that happiness is laced with a little bit of something more. It isn't anger. It isn't hate. Or jealousy. Or bitterness. It's just a twinge you feel in your chest when you see two people look at each other like they are the only ones in the world. It stings to not have someone to look at that way.
Being on the cusp of adulthood is already hard, but sometimes doing it "solo" feels about one hundred times worse. But I wanted you to know that:
You're going to be just fine.
It is okay to have days where you wallow in bed watching "Love Actually" on repeat while downing pint after pint of ice cream. And it's okay to have days where you revel in the freedom your single-ness brings you. I encourage you to have it all.
I know you don't want to hear "You don't need anyone, you're independent!" so I won't say it. Because independent people need to feel loved too. And sometimes the strongest person in the world really needs a "Good morning, beautiful" text message. But I will say that even in the times when you feel the lonliest
You are never alone.
There are hundreds, thousands of college students who feel just like you do. Even if it seems like everyone is planning their wedding, I can promise you that there are more who are wishing they were. Just because that's where they are in their lives right now doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong. Where you are in your life is just as valid as where they are in theirs.
Everyone goes at their own pace.
Things will happen for you. I cannot promise that you'll meet someone, fall in love, move to the suburbs, have two kids, a dog, and a house with a white-picket fence. I don't know what your future holds. I can however, promise that whatever happens
You will be happy.
Whatever version of happiness that is has yet to be determined but it will find you. You will find it. Your life will not be the way it is now forever. So keep moving. Enjoy the days where single life feels like a party. Push through the days when it feels like a sickness. And love most the days when you feel content.
So whenever you feel unloved, read this letter and know that that isn't the case. Because although you might feel lonely, you are never alone. You have me. We're in this together. You and I.
Sincerely,
A Fellow Single Student.
