While we are growing up, we always have these ideas in our head of what it is going to be like, or what it is supposed to be like, when we get to be teenagers and in high school. We are supposed to go to dances, go to sporting events with our friends, and we are also supposed to date.

I went to the dances and the games, however, I never really dated, or had a boyfriend. Of course, I talked to boys, went with boys as dates to dances, and had plenty of guy friends, but I never actually was in a relationship with one --- still have not been, in fact. To many, this was kind of weird and seemed lonely. The thing is, though, I would not have had it any other way.

For one thing, being on my own all of these years as given me the chance to fully get to know myself and like the person I am, before anyone else does. I think that it is so important to be okay in your own skin and love yourself first, because if you can't, it is hard for anyone else to.

Not only that, but I got to experience high school, a time that is hard enough as it is, without the added dramas and pressures of a relationship. I got to spend time with my friends, and do things I want to do, making memories with them, without having to keep another person in mind. I watched too many people choose relationships over friendships, and they ended up regretting it when high school ended.

Also, I learned so much from my friends and their relationships, seeing the good, the bad, and the ugly, and realizing the types of things that I want for myself, or don't want, so when the time comes, I know what I want and won't settle for less than that.

Ultimately, I learned how to be independent and how to do things on my own, and that no matter what happens in the future, I have this solid foundation to lean back on.

Eventually, yes, I do want a boyfriend and to be able to make memories with them and be loved by them, but until that happens, I know that I have survived these last 18 years without one, and I will continue to.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with dating in high school, and I would have done it if it ever worked out that way, but it did not for me, and I am totally okay with that. I am grateful for all that I have learned about myself and for all of the experiences I have had, that I know will help me later in life. I have the rest of my life to date, so I am just worrying more about making memories and being the type of person I want to be, rather than going out of my way to force things.