You are in your 20s- maybe you just kissed your teenage years goodbye, maybe you just celebrated your 21^st, maybe you just signed your name on your first ever car loan, or maybe you just got your first paycheck from your “big girl job.” How does it feel? Whether you are 20 or 26, everything is overwhelming. You are expected to accomplish so much within this decade because in this time you are expected to finish college, find a job, find a husband and have your first and maybe second child before you hit the big 3-0!

Well that’s a lot.. Because currently, it’s hard to manage classes, dinner and a social life. The last thing you want to consider is a serious relationship, but you are running out of time, right?

Relationships are different in your 20s. The little moments mean so more than they ever did before because appreciating the smallest things right now is how you can get through each day. In high school, you and your girlfriends compared who got the better gifts like jewelry or expensive purchases for Valentine’s Day or Christmas from your “boyfriends.” In high school, your love was easily measured by price tags, and how many likes you got on your “Facebook Official Relationship Status.” But then you graduated. This upcoming Valentine’s Day, you are going to skip the chocolate and look forward to three hours you will see each other away from school. And, that’s okay because you have realized life is worth so much more. It is not about the presents or spoiling, but about the phone calls after a big exam or job interview. The support and laughs received after a not so funny joke, but really, it was just a bad day and a laugh was necessary.

Stress levels are so high at this time in your life so why put so much stress on love right now? Love is complicated, and love takes time. Officially “titling” a relationship too fast can ruin something between two people before it even starts. Better yet, you are only young once. Contrary to popular belief, there is plenty of time to settle down, but there is only so much time to live as freely as you do right now.

A relationship should not define you. Find that one person who makes you a better person. Find that one person who is honest. Find that one person who makes you laugh over the silliest things. Find that one person who will be standing next you when all your dreams come true. And better yet, find that one person who will grow up with you, but don’t grow up too quick.

Love can withstand decades, but you only get one decade to be 20 something. Find that one person you love, but don’t be afraid to evolve, mature and change with that one person. There is only 3,650 days to be 20 something, enjoy them because before you know it, you will be kissing your 20s goodbye.

So live freely, love deeply and don’t ever stop finding yourself.