I have a large group of friends from high school, most of whom are single. We still hang out a lot and stick by each other through thick and thin, regardless of our relationship status or lack thereof. In college however, my two closest friends are in long-term relationships. One of them is actually technically engaged already. I'm more than happy for both of them and I wish them and their boyfriends the very best. Some people happen to meet their significant other earlier than the rest of us, and that's okay. It's only human to look forward to meeting the person with whom you'll spend the rest of your life.

If you're the "single friend" like me, I'm here to tell you that I understand what you're going through. I know how left out you feel when your friends are talking about their relationships and you can only sit and listen because there's nothing you can contribute to the conversation. They talk about how what they're going to do for their boyfriend's birthday, or how they wonder what he's getting them for Valentine's Day this year, and you just sip your coffee or stare at your textbook and ask yourself why you can't have what they have. They tell you about their adorable ice cream dates, or how their boyfriend just got hired for his dream job, and you're genuinely happy for them. You can't be jealous, or show that you're sad because then they'll feel bad for you when you know you want them to enjoy their relationship. You joke that you're forever alone, and they say you'll find the right guy one of these days, but "one of these days" can't come soon enough. You want to be able to tell the girls about how your man surprised you with flowers on your birthday, or how he got you a beautiful piece of jewelry on your anniversary, or the crazy things you have in common just so you're no longer the outsider during the inevitable boyfriend conversations at lunch and in the library.

From one single friend to another, you do not need the coveted "in a relationship" status to affirm your self-worth. Even though you're strong enough to not let a man define you, remember that you don't have to take on this crazy world by yourself. We might be single, but we are not alone, and we are most certainly loved. My friends (from high school and from college) are the sisters that I always wanted. They support me in all my endeavors, give me well-informed advice and care about me, and I do the same for them. I have been blessed with the most loving family consisting of my mom, my dad, and an awesome little brother. They're the only three people who I can honestly say have been there for me since day one. They're the only ones who I know with utmost certainty love me unconditionally.

So my fellow single friend, until you meet your future soulmate try to find an outlet for all the love you have to give. For example, I pour my heart into my studies and my dancing. If you see me taking too many notes in class and spending too much time studying at the library or in my dorm room, it's because I realize that my education is a blessing that many women are deprived of. In my technique classes, auditions, rehearsals, and performances, I work to become a better dancer than I was yesterday. For as long as I can remember my dream was to be a professional dancer, and the path of achieving this goal is a path of blood, sweat, and tears, pushing myself physically and emotionally, and detouring past distractions. Michelle Obama once said "There is no boy at this age that is cute enough or interesting enough to stop you from getting your education. If I had thought about who liked me and who I thought was cute when I was your age, I wouldn't be married to the President of the United States today."

Most of all, Love your friends and love your family. Hold them as close as you can, and even when you find your significant other, the relationships that you share with your friends and family should always hold a special place in your heart. I know that when a boy breaks my heart, I'll always have my friends and family to love me forever, and for now that's more than enough.

To the single friend: you are so beautiful, smart, and strong. You are loved to the moon and back. Have a very happy Valentine's Day.

from, your fellow single friend.