When I hang out with my girl friends this summer, the one subject that always seems to come up is all the engagement and wedding announcements popping up on our social media feeds: Did you see that girl from high school got engaged? I can't believe so-and-so is getting married soon! And on and on.

Since many of my friends are single, we end up having some mixed emotions about these announcements. Of course, we're ecstatic for our friends, family members and coworkers who are looking forward to spending the rest of their lives with the person they love. But there's always those little doubts and fears and frustrations that we can't quite ignore: Why has everyone found a significant other except me? How come so many people my age are getting engaged and I haven't been on a date in forever? Am I doing something wrong? What if I never get married?

A lot of times we like to focus on these fears, or have little complaining sessions together about singleness. But here are three things we don't always remember when we focus on the romantic relationships we don't have.

First of all, there's nothing wrong with you.

Just because a lot of people are dating or getting engaged or marrying at your age doesn't mean you should be as well. People do things at different points in their lives, and what's right for one person—or even for most people—isn't necessarily right for everyone.

Remember: even if it seems like the only thing people want to ask you about is if you're dating anyone yet, your relationship status does not define you. Your romantic relationships are not the most important thing about you—they're not even the most interesting thing about you. You are an entire, complete, fulfilled person, all by yourself.

Second, there are advantages to being single.

If you're not caught up in spending a ton of time with your S.O., you've more time and emotional energy to devote to other things. Your relationships with your friends or family, for example. Your faith life. Your studies. Your passions and hobbies. Your process of figuring out who you are as an individual—rather than as one half of a relationship—and growing as a human being. You can have an enjoyable and fruitful life without a boyfriend or girlfriend. And, in some ways, isn't it easier to not have to worry about maintaining a romantic relationship with everything else you've got going on?

Third, be patient.

I know it's hard. Since we were kids we've been absorbing media that told us over and over that we can't live happily ever after until we've found our True Love and smooched them in some super cliche romantic way. But that's simply not true. Don't let your fear of not fitting the narrative make you discontent with your life and throw yourself at the first willing suitor. Please, please, don't sell yourself short. Keep your standards high. It's better to be single than to be in a bad relationship with someone who doesn't deserve you. Wait for a person you're really excited about, but you're also sure about. Listen to your friends' advice: they care about you, and they might have some insights about a potential beau that you're blind to. Take your time. If it's meant to be, it'll come.

Romantic relationships are great, but they aren't the most important thing about human existence. If dating or marriage is what you want, wonderful. Go for it. But don't let the periods of singleness get you down or keep you from enjoying yourself. Appreciate your life, whatever stage you're in.

Relax. You have plenty of time.