Here is a special message for all of you out there who are just like me: single as a Pringle.
I am eighteen years old, about to start my freshman year of college, and I have had only one serious relationship. Ironically, it started when I was in eighth grade. Looking back with what I know now, it wasn’t a healthy relationship in the slightest. I guess they are telling the truth when they say that you need to go through a bad relationship in order to appreciate a good one.
Don’t get me wrong, the single life can be pretty great. You can go wherever you want, do whatever you want, and be whoever you want because you’re running the show. Finding your own way and building your independence is so important to do by yourself, especially when you’re young. But, personally, while I talk really big about how I don’t need or want anyone special in my life right now, it can get hard sometimes.
Maybe you’re scrolling through your newsfeed and seeing all the cute couples posts. Maybe you’re watching your favorite romantic show on Netflix. Maybe you’re third-wheeling your friend and their boyfriend/girlfriend. No matter what you’re doing, the feeling is the same.
Loneliness. And it’s even harder to bear when you know what love feels like, but you don’t have it anymore.
Sadly, there will be days where you feel like you can’t be loved. Maybe you feel too damaged, like the mistakes of your past relationships won’t ever let you move on. Maybe you feel too shy, like you’ll never find the one because you’re not gutsy enough to make the first move. Maybe you feel too different, like you won’t ever find someone who understands and accepts you just the way you are. Maybe you feel too unworthy, like you don’t deserve a chance at a love that will finally make you feel special again.
No matter what you feel is holding you back, trust me, there is someone out there.
Just. Like. You. And they are waiting to meet you, just like you are waiting to meet them.
But until that time comes, put yourself first. Fall in love with every moment that you are given on this earth. Take good care of your body and mind equally. Teach yourself to love what you see in the mirror, and if you don’t, do what you can to make it better instead of tearing yourself down. Smile at people on the street even when they don’t smile back. Spend time with the people who light your inner fire, not the ones who snuff it out. Go out into the world and have every adventure that you can. Doing these things will not only brighten your own life, but the lives of everyone that your light touches.
Please, love yourself like you aren’t waiting for someone else to do it.
In the infamous words of John Mayer, "You're not crazy, you're just lonely. And loneliness is a hell of a drug." It can be so easy to let the loneliness take over whether you're pining for a hand to hold or just someone to talk to, but don't let that empty feeling corrupt your thinking and inner peace. It takes courage to continue on when its hard, and how you live your life each and every day shows just how brave you are.
