"So, any boyfriend in the picture yet?"

As someone who has recently come out of a relationship of more than three years, I know that this question, or similar ones, will likely be asked in the future. Although I haven't been asked this question in years, this is a question that has always bugged me, even before I entered a relationship. Why is this question something routine that comes up at almost every extended family get-together?

Not only does this question make a person feel uncomfortable when asked, it gives the impression that you'd better get going and meet someone. It instills pressure, insecurity and self-doubt. After hearing that question, it's easy to start wondering why you haven't found anyone yet, what might be wrong with you, and why you are still single.

Being single has never been something I've been afraid of -- until recently. One of the most common lines that comes out of my mouth around my family is that I'm going to die alone (or with 19 puppies). Before entering a serious relationship, I never cared about being single. But now that a serious relationship has ended, I've never been more nervous about it, and I think I've figured out why.

For some reason, there is still a mentality in dating culture that most women are looking to be in a relationship. While for many women, this is likely the case, it is too often assumed that anyone who is single does not want to be. In our dating culture, it's normal to think that people who have been single for a long period of time are (desperately) searching for a companion. I believe this needs to change.

There are many things people tend to associate with being single: issues, lack of confidence, bitterness, unhappiness, and most commonly -- loneliness. However, there are many things people don't associate with being single. This includes self-exploration, self-love and the immense love and support we still receive from family and friends. It seems as though the world, or a large portion of it, has forgotten that you can be single and perfectly content. At the same time. In fact, many single people are probably happier than those who are in unsuccessful, on-and-off, or abusive relationships.

Instead of falling victim to negative and hurtful assumptions, maybe have some faith and trust that we are figuring things out for ourselves and doing what we think is best for us. If we are truly lonely or uncomfortable with our current standings, we can choose to discuss those feelings with you. There's nothing wrong with being in a happy relationship, and there should be nothing wrong with being happily single.

So, from all of us single people -- give us a break once in a while. Keep what you've read in mind next time you bug your friends about going out with that guy or pester your relatives about their love lives at Thanksgiving dinner. Being single is not a black or white issue. Having a significant other does not equal happiness, and being single does not equal loneliness.