For as long I can remember, everything was about finding "the one" or having this great fantasy romance. It's everywhere: movies, books, and shown on social media. Think about it – everyone loves The Notebook or The Fault in Our Stars or if you see a friend and their significant other on Instagram doing something romantic everyone is like "#goals!".

Sometimes when there is a breakup between two people, there can be an unspoken "competition" that whoever doesn't get into a relationship before the other "lost". And that shouldn't be the case. People shouldn't feel bad if their ex gets into another relationship before them. Then they shouldn't go out looking for another relationship, but they feel that they should because our entire lives romance and love was put in front of everyone's faces: if you didn't have someone to love, what are you living for?

Romanticizing relationships and love is perfectly fine – but to never romanticize being single or finding yourself is unfair. It's hard when not only finding love is plastered on everything, but when your family criticizes you for not being in a relationship or the dreaded question, "When am I going to have grandkids?".

Being single should not be seen as something scary or unfulfilling. In fact, being single is something extremely important in figuring out who you are. You get to do what you want to do! No exceptions! You can learn about what you want out of life: a successful career, traveling the world, helping others, and so much more! If I'm being candid here, it is more difficult to find out what you do want when you are in a relationship. There is no shame in being single.

Something to romanticize about being single is the opportunity to be independent. To know how to stand on your own two feet. Learning how to rely on yourself for your own happiness. Being truly independent is something not many people in this world can do. Loving being single has so many benefits and perks in the long run too.

Just because you're single now, or choose to be, doesn't mean that you never have to be in a relationship. In fact, if you choose to be single and figure out what you want and accomplish your personal goals, your future relationships are going to be much more healthier. You know what you want. You know that you don't need your significant other, but choose to have them every day. You know how to function on your own and as a team. That's really healthy.

Relationships are great to look at, they are! It's nice to have someone who will always be there for you. But it's also equally as nice to have yourself to count on. Being single is about finding yourself, discovering new interests, having so many goals and aspirations to achieve, and so much more learning about yourself.

It's a beautiful thing. Start romanticizing it.