Sometimes, when I meet a new adult, the conversation shifts very quickly. We talk about my college, my degree and my plans for the future. Then, out of nowhere, the adult will ask in a sly and bemused voice, "Do you have a boyfriend?" I've responded in the same way for several years now: No. But, it's not because I'm unlucky or because I don't have any eligible males in my vicinity. I have voluntarily chosen to be single right now, and here's why.
I'm still single because I'm young. I am only 19 years old. In my young eyes, this feels like a really long time. But in reality, this span of 19 years will be multiplied several times to eventually make up my whole life. I have all of those years to be dating someone/married, so why would I waste this limited time that I have to be single?
I'm still single because I want to meet new people and broaden my horizons. I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of not talking to the same person constantly. I can go on a trip for weeks and delve fully into my new surroundings, without a foot still in my homeland, where a significant other is waiting for my return and constantly asking me for updates on my whereabouts.
I'm still single because I want to spend this time of my life pouring into family and friends. College is making me a busy person, but every inch of space in my schedule can be used to impact others. I don't have to commit to seeing a significant other throughout my week. Instead, I can give my grandfather a call, catch up with old friends or spend quality time with my parents and sibling.
I'm still single because I don't like stress. I don't have to be checking my phone obsessively and looking for that text response or that "like" on my latest post/picture/tweet. I also don't have to be constantly reading between the lines of someone else's social media life or analyzing every move that someone else makes. It's a good time, just thinking about the TV show I'm watching or the book I'm reading or the food I'm eating, without interruptions.
I'm still single because my emotions are a precious commodity. In other words, my emotions are extremely valuable. I'm not going to waste them on just anyone or anything. In fact, because I'm single right now, I can use them to feel love for others who need it. I can have extraordinary compassion for the people around me and take up all of my mind space scheming to make their worlds a better place. I can focus on spreading love to my world with all of these emotions that I have to spare. Also, when I finally meet the person who I'm going to marry, I'll be able to love them fully and without regrets, which will make a beautiful relationship.
I'm still single because I'm trusting God. I know that God has a plan for my future, including whoever I'm going to end up with. Right now, He doesn't have a significant other in my life. So, there's no use in forcing a relationship or trying to conjure up something that doesn't need to exist in the first place. God knows me better than I know myself, so why wouldn't He chose what's best for me? There's a specific reason why I'm single during this season of my life and even if I don't understand it, I know that He still loves me and wants the best for me, so everything is happening for a reason. I'm trusting that He's working in my life right now, and giving me countless opportunities right now, regardless of my relationship status.
