Welcome to college, where the parties happen every night, the sea of the opposite sex just grew and your family will never not ask if you have met a boyfriend or girlfriend at any family function. As college students, we live in a world where society thinks at 20 years old, it's time to settle down and get our lives together with the one. If you don't, you are lonely, off track and a mess.
Due to these constant societal pressures we are constantly looking for "the one," and every douchebag we meet in college, we tend to make the mistake of trying to change them and have unrealistic expectations. I learned this my sophomore year after dating someone who I knew was so wrong for me, but I was afraid to be alone, even though being with him made me feel more alone (and crazy) than ever before.
Well, I am here to tell you to stop listening to society and start listening to yourself. First off, we are confused kids living in a grown up world trying to figure out who we are. You know the saying you can't love anyone until you love yourself. I, personally, know this to be true. When you stop labeling every guy or girl you meet as your future soulmate and choose yourself first, you will realize you're your own soulmate forever and always. If you're truly lucky, though, you will have your friends by your side to help you pick up the pieces (one blurry night at a time).
After a few days of crying and thinking the world was falling apart, I started really living for myself, finally. I started to enjoy college, I went out (a lot), met everyone imaginable and spent time with my family and friends. Here are just some of the things I learned: There are way more fish in the sea; my city is beautiful (shout out to the 513); I am beautiful; my friends are my therapists and life was fun again. You have all of your life to commit to one person and devote all of your time to other people. Finding yourself and having fun is what your 20s are for. Be single, have a drink or four, say cheers to the jerk who broke your heart and start living for yourself. When the time is right, it will happen but until then, choose to live because you only college once.
So I challenge you, the next time you are watching "The Notebook" for the 50th time or society and family pressures have you feeling down, make a vow to yourself. Stop waiting for Mr. Right and feeling sorry for yourself; you are the one out having fun with no responsibilities and plenty of time to do what you want to do. Go out, explore and find yourself because no guy will ever give you the same satisfying feelings you can give yourself.
