We are told from a small age that there are certain stages in life we need to complete. One being that we must find someone at a certain age and settle down with that person for the rest of our lives. But c'mon it's 2017, not the middle ages.

There are some people, mostly those in their early 20s-30s, that are just not ready to settle down. Whether it is their views on the marital system as a whole, their views on relationship and independence, and so on, it is a fact that a lot of people are just not ready to be completely serious with another person.

You yourself might not be ready for a serious relationship if:

1. You shamelessly flirt with anyone that catches your eye.

It doesn't matter if it's the cute cashier at the supermarket or the hot teaching assistant that helps you study, your flirt game is always at play and it's not stopping any time soon.

2. You are beyond picky!

You stop talking to someone because they are too short, they walk in a way that you don't like or the two of you strongly disagree about pizza toppings. Any little thing is a dealbreaker and no one can live up to your impossible standards.

3. Your longest relationship was with a dating app.

Tinder, Bumble, OK Cupid! You've mastered them all and are proud to share your wisdom upon the newly 'single and ready to mingle.'

4. Girls/Guys night is pretty much every night.

No need to call it an early night. There is literally no one blowing up your phone wondering when you'll be home

5. When you actually like someone, but you never reply to their texts.

They call you casper 'cause you be ghosting.

6. You've become a sex-pert in your friends' eyes.

You may not be sexually active or even have (m)any sexual partners, but at least you've done your research and can bestow your knowledge on others.

7. Independence is your second nature.

You don't need anyone to take care of you because you've been taking care of you since forever. And who can take care of you better than you?

8. Anytime someone comes remotely close or vulnerable with you, you immediately freak out and flee.

Any kind of genuine feelings and emotions make you run for the hills; and not in a 'Sound of Music' kind of way.

9. You were in a serious relationship and it did not end well.

Sometimes we find ourselves being open and vulnerable with other people, and often at times it does not work out. It can leave you feeling hurt, sad, angry, and completely heartbroken. It can make some people put up concrete walls around them. They need that time to heal and live the single life, for who knows how long, until they can learn to be in serious relationships again.

This is in no way to shame people for being singe or- vice versa- in a relationship. There are some real and valid reasons why people stay single for so long. Relationships are beyond hard. Sometimes people just won't have the time or patience for them until they feel that they are ready.

Bask in your single-ness for as long as you want. Being single makes you learn about who you are and what you want in a significant other. Some take longer than others and that is okay. Take everything one step at a time and don't settle for anything less than what you want.