It's Valentines Day and instead of sharing a gourmet dinner with the love of your life and receiving a dozen red roses, you're sitting alone on the couch watching a great chick flick like "13 Going On 30" with a box of Russel Stover as company. Or, if you're lucky enough, enjoying a night on the town with a group of great friends.
I'm quite a rare breed for a college student. I've found guys attractive, but I've never had a serious crush or dated anyone—even though I'm almost 20 years old. If that's not already odd enough, I'm also a student at a Christian University and work at a Christian camp, two environments known for the "ring by spring" phenomenon. This naturally leads to pressure from my friends in relationships. My family has even jumped on board since I'm one of two kids out of six who isn't married or dating someone.
Don't get me wrong—I hope I marry a great man one day. However, I'm waiting patiently for the right guy. Until then, I'm taking advantage of this time to learn more about who I am. College is a place where people change dramatically over time as they discover more about themselves. I want to truly gain a strong grasp on my identity before I start sharing my life with someone else. In addition, I've grown much closer to God over these last couple of semesters, something that might not have happened if I was distracted by a boyfriend. The single life also allows time to establish new friendships that last after graduation.
It can be hard watching your best friends become giggly and giddy as they receive assorted chocolates or a giant stuffed bear with a red ribbon tied around its neck. However, it's not the end of the world if you have no significant other to share this experience with. Being single allows you to enjoy quality time with your other great friends who aren't in relationships and Valentines Day can be a great opportunity to venture to the movies or an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
Don't fret if there isn't a special someone in your life yet—you have a long life and there will be a time for that. Until then, extend love to other friends and enjoy a period of self-discovery.
