If you're like me, you know exactly what you want in a relationship. You know where you're willing to compromise or make an exception and where you aren't. You're driven about your goals whether they be relational, spiritual, or occupational.

If you're like me, you've heard the phrase, "You're standards are too high," quite a few times. I don't know if this phrase has had the same effect on you as it's had on me, but if I'm being transparent here the more I've heard it, the more I've begun to believe it. Whether it came from your non-single friends, older people in your life, or guys who just weren't able to meet your goals, you've had people tell you that if you don't lower your standards, you'll be single forever.

If you're like me, hearing this makes you discouraged after awhile and you've considered (even if it was just for a moment) not being so uptight about who you will allow yourself to be with.

Let's be real, are there really guys out there that are still chivalrous without being asked? Are there still young men who would follow God if it took everything they had? Is there anyone else out there who really cares about getting to genuinely know somebody before making the commitment to date? If everyone else is casual-dating, why aren't you?

I'd like to clear something up for my generation when it comes to dating: having standards and having unrealistic expectations are two very different things.

The main difference that I see is that having standards is fair. Having standards means that I've spent years trying to find myself and discovering what kind of life I want to lead; it means that I'm looking for someone who I know will motivate me to continue living a step above what's "normal" these days because they desire the same thing.

Having standards does not mean that I don't accept and love anyone who doesn't live or believe the same way that I do; it means that I'm looking for someone who is willing to hold me to the same standards that I hold them to because relationships are about helping each other become better people.

I know that my standards may have kept me from finding someone for a little while, but I refuse to settle in hopes to please other people or just because I feel lonely every now and then. I'm not looking for a "bae of the week"; I want a forever kind of love that will come from all of my built up prayers over several years.

So if you're like me, I highly encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself: "Are my expectations unrealistic? Or am I simply still waiting for someone who's willing to take the road less traveled with me?"

To the girl whose standards are "too high", thank you for knowing your value; you deserve more than the world, so keep shooting for the stars.