To the women struggling with acceptance and establishing their independence, what you are doing is difficult: it takes a lot of time, it's emotionally exhausting, and it often lacks a clear agenda. Do not give up; although it may appear to be a long road, it is worth it. You will learn so much about yourselves. So, to all the single ladies out there, here is some advice to make your journey just a little easier.

When a good relationship ends, it doesn't mean it was a failure—it simply means it's over. It doesn't erase the memories you collected or diminish the love you shared; it just changes the affinity you have with that person. That being said, you need to learn to let someone go when he or she no longer has anything constructive to contribute to the relationship. Understand that caring about his or her happiness is just as important as caring for your own.

There's a difference between really loving someone and loving the idea of them. - Gillian Flynn, "Gone Girl"

As hard as it may be to end a relationship, it is equally as difficult to define one. There is often a blurred line between "just friends" and "something more," but many people fail to understand that romance and friendship are not ranks, tiers, or levels: neither is inherently superior nor inferior to other because they exist on equal terms. Friendship is not the demotion into an undesirable "zone" and romance is not "the next step." Sometimes, the two manage to coincide, but you should never feel pressured to make this happen.

Many friendships are ruined because some people genuinely believe that being rejected sexually is synonymous with being rejected as a person; however, your sexuality (or lack thereof) will never define you as a human being. You are not obligated to feel a sense of fulfillment from the validation of men, you are not required to base your value on others' opinions, and you should never judge your self-worth on how society objectifies your body. Unfortunately, many women continue to feel undeserving of love because they are not seen as a sexual beings, so they try to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals in order to raise their self-confidence.

This acceptance of misogyny is ingrained in our culture, and it stems from our society romanticizing the idea of a misunderstood male chauvinist who seems apathetic and disrespectful but secretly carries a kind and affable soul. As a result, it's easy for anyone—particularly women—to meet a man who treats people poorly and believe, without evidence, that he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Do not fall for it, because "a lapse in cruelty is not evidence of kindness" (thedatingfeminist). Instead, find someone who will strive to become a better person for you and encourages you to do the same, because you deserve someone who understands your value and thoroughly respects you.

In fact, at the core of every healthy relationship lies respect, but I would like to point out that people have different definitions of that particular word. Some use "respect" to mean "appreciating someone as a person," while others use it to mean "treating someone like an authority." A problem occurs when the individual who is used to being treated like an authority says "if you won't respect me then I won't respect you," when they really mean "if you won't treat me like an authority, I won't appreciate you as a person."

Make sure you don't start seeing yourself through the eyes of those who don't value you. Know your worth even if they don't. - Thema Davis

For years I have been struggling to see my own worth. I became uncomfortable with the way people perceived me, because I felt as though there was a strong disconnect from the way others saw me and the way I saw myself. However, I have finally started to realize that that disconnect is irrelevant. I don't need to constantly worry what other people think, because I will never truly be happy if I to try to please all of them. I have learned to un-regrettably be myself, and accept the fact that being single does not define my worth as a woman.

You will always be too much of something for someone: too big, too loud, too soft, too edgy. If you round out your edges, you lose your edge. Apologize for mistakes. Apologize for unintentionally hurting someone...but don’t apologize for being who you are. - Danielle Laporte

So to the "perpetually" single women, you deserve a love complete with respect and appreciation. You are worthy of someone who understands that your time is valuable. You will find someone who not only becomes your other half, but also seeks to make you whole. Do not accept anything less than this, because you are beautiful, you are strong, and you are worth it.