Having a strong sense of self established before jumping into a relationship is absolutely essential.

I've noticed a consistent pattern of people choosing to be in relationships just for the sake of being in a relationship. They feel lonely when they're by themselves and use their significant other to validate their self-worth.

If you're a person who does this, I have a message for you: Don't do that.

If you're currently at a time in your life where you feel lonely, or at a stand-still, I've got news for you: you're not alone. Especially for college-aged kids, this is completely normal. Loneliness, though it sucks, can be a good indicator that changes need to be made.

If you aren't currently happy with yourself, the LAST thing you should do is start a new relationship. Become happy with yourself before you try (and ultimately fail) to become happy with a significant other.

Find a hobby which keeps you busy and focused. Write poetry, do theatre, try out for sports, create a blog, etc.

Treat yourself. Take yourself out to movies or dinners. Go for walks in the park on nice days. Read your favorite book. Buy yourself a new outfit. Try a new hairstyle.

Spend less time on social media.

Fall in love with yourself.

Once you do that, people will be falling in love with you left and right!

Once you achieve self-actualization, you're now able to find the perfect person for you – the one who complements you. Not the one who completes you. You need to be complete on your own.

Being someone who is well-aware of their self worth while dating someone who is also confident in who they are will allow both people to grow both as individuals and as partners.

This type of relationship will also promote trust. As long as both parties are content with their relationship, they're more likely to be understanding of each other.

In a relationship, if my significant other does not answer the phone right away, I will not be quick to anger. I understand that even though we are together, we are still individuals with our own separate lives.

There are other ways I can occupy my time – reading a book, watching my favorite movie, going to the gym, spending time with good friends, studying, writing or spending some quality time with myself.

I will not be quick to jump to conclusions. I will hear my significant other out when there is a misunderstanding, and learn from the mistake. The best way to truly get to know someone is through difficult times.

I will not attach myself to them. I have my own sense of identity that I will not ignore for the sake of another individual.

When people ask me, "Sarah, who are you?" my first response will never be, "I'm so-and-so's girlfriend."

I will be the first to say, "I'm a college student, I'm a Communications major with a minor in Sociology, I'm a comedic actress, I'm funny, I'm hard-working, I'm compassionate, I'm creative, but most of all, I'm me."

For the first time in my 20 years, 4 months, 15 days and 21 hours of living, I can finally say that I am happy with myself. Ever since I have fallen in love with myself, I attract more people – the right kinds of people – who support me and encourage me to always strive for improvement.

When you finally decide to accept yourself, you will be ready to accept love from those around you. And trust me, it will be the most amazing experience you could ever imagine.

You will be better able to find the right person for you. They will be your cheerleader, not your sole source of motivation. They will be your best friend, not your "everything."

They will be your perfect match, not your other half.

The right person for you will be the one who you fall in love with because they make you fall in love with yourself even more whenever they're around.