In society, there's pressure everywhere from the media influencing young girls on how to live their lives. We see it on Twitter, Instagram, Television, Commercials - if it's not a direct message it's a subliminal one.
Whether growing up it was the "couple goals," or how "good the single life is," it seems people are never genuinely asking us as people what's good for us. I've witnessed countless girls stumble into relationships just purely because they think it's the only way to live, and there's times where the intention is just for the image of it all.
I instantly and full-heartedly had a desire to express how crucial it is to just do what's best for yourself. Growing up in high school, it was completely common to date someone because it's the "thing to do". To show them off to your family and friends, to post cute pictures with them, or to even have someone to go on double dates with. But the thing is, when you get to college you'll be "told" to be single - leave it in high school. Society (and most family/friends) will tell you to go into college with an open mind, because that's what the "known" thing is to do in our generation.
With all these people telling you things throughout your life, the only way you'll become content is if you just honestly go off what's the best thing for you. Want to be single in college? Do it. Want to keep dating your high school sweet heart throughout college? Go for it. Want to have boyfriend in high school? It'll be entertaining. Crave to be free and not tied down? Enjoy the freedom of exploring yourself.
"Doing what you want" is in no way synonymous with being completely crazy and not being a lady or gentlemen. But if in your head you're just doing something because you enjoy the image of it all, odds are it's not going to be making you happiest.
To some people, maybe image does trump genuine contentment with their own life. But the most important thing should honestly be living in whatever way is the best for you. There's not a right or wrong answer, and the thing is society will attempt to give you superficial reasons on how either you should date someone; or even superficial reasons why staying single is the best thing for you.
But none of this is factual for your specific situation, because nobody knows what's best for you better than you. It's not embarrassing to be single living it up, and it's also not embarrassing to date someone who you're in love with. It is embarrassing to date someone for the looks of it all, which is why it's crucial to know your own mind and what you actually want.
Most importantly, keep in mind if you let society or a friend take the reins on your life: you're still the only one that's left to blame for the outcome. Dating or not dating at any time in your life is completely acceptable and understandable, but make sure it's your choice - not the world's.
“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”
― Maya Angelou
