Today, teenagers rush in and out of relationships; falling in love one week and having their hearts shattered the next. Everyone is so desperately trying to feel loved and wanted, all while sacrificing some of the most valuable and key parts of relationships because their significant other gives them the attention they want. All I seem to hear about relationships is that if a girl or guy has too high of standards, there’s never going to be someone for them.

But I’m here to tell you, that’s 100% false.

As a girl who never had an actual serious relationship until she was 17 years old, I can attest to the fact that having high standards is what every person of dating age should have. Waiting for the right person is 100% OK. For me, it was completely worth it, and because I waited until I found the guy who met all my standards everything has worked out amazingly.

I talked to many boys in high school, but none of them met what I thought a relationship should look like. Relationships aren’t just about the kissing and the cuddling, but trust and companionship. The guy needs to make me laugh and make me feel completely safe to be myself. Relationships are so much more than the idea of taking the infamous Instagram videos of “cute” couples kissing. There should be respect and dignity.

High standards are decent standards, and you shouldn’t hold yourself to anything less than them. If waiting for the right person means waiting for someone who doesn’t want to just “get into your pants,” maybe it’s worth the high standards. Your S.O. should treat you like you are a delicate glass rose.

If they complain about your standards being too hard to reach that obviously means they are not willing to work for you. It’s not because your standards are unreasonable, it’s because they know they don’t even come close to deserving you. I’m not saying you need to play hard-to-get because that game can be extremely cruel, but I mean you shouldn’t lower your standards for anyone, no matter how cute that person may be.

Girls shouldn’t go out with that one guy just because he showers her with compliments and brings her to fancy dinners. He should also be ensuring her safety, happiness, and dignity. He should make her feel like she is really the only girl, and should trust her completely.

Likewise, boys shouldn’t go out with girls just because they give him a million kisses and wear cute clothes for him. She shouldn’t always be having him taking her out to THE most expensive restaurants. Nights in are sometimes the absolute best. She should be ensuring his happiness, wellbeing and also dignity.

Couples should care about one another and should even be able to confidently put the label “best friends” on each other. Relationships aren’t just about the sexual attraction, but personalities. People need to be able to feel comfortable with the other. If you aren’t able to yourself with your S.O. then it’s not a true relationship.

High standards keep your partner accountable, but they should also keep you accountable as well. You cannot expect your partner to meet these standards while you float around them and do what you want in the relationship. Your standards should also be the standards you hold yourself too.

It’s so important in today’s world we have high standards. Dating apps and fake profiles can lead to dangerous and unauthentic relationships.

As long as everyone has their standards and keeps to them, no matter what they are, some of the best relationships could be formed and last for lifetimes.