Most of us are at the age, whether we are 17 or 28, where we are dating and experiencing new people. Dating is totally okay and even fun, but here's what isn't okay: changing yourself to fit who your "significant other" wants you to be. Now before you bring an argument up about "making compromises" in a relationship, let's get one thing straight. You should be you. The reason for getting into a relationship in the first place is because you find each other interesting and you enjoy their presence. If they don't like who you are, they shouldn't be with you.

I believe one of the most important aspects of a relationship is being true to who you are. We all have to be comfortable with who we are. We all have our own little quirks. Maybe you talk a lot, or maybe you're shy. Maybe you snort when you laugh, or maybe you giggle like a little girl. Whatever it is, your significant other shouldn't want to change that. Sure, they may think whatever quirk you have is annoying, but that's part of any relationship, romantic or not.

Nobody wants to be in a relationship where they don't feel like themselves. I feel that in a relationship, you should feel comfortable being yourself. Your significant other is supposed to be your "safe place." Someone you tell everything to and someone who you can be silly around. You owe it to yourself to be with someone who truly loves you and all of your little imperfections.

A lot of times, people are blinded by "love." They don't notice that their significant other is trying to change who they are. They don't care. But that's not right. Down the road, they won't be happy with who they are, because it's not who they chose to be. It's who they let someone choose they would be. That's not a life anyone wants to lead.

"There are plenty of fish in the sea." This is a statement that we've all heard, and is completely true. There is someone out there for everyone. Someone who will enjoy everything about you and cherish all of your flaws. If the person you are with isn't that person, then "there are plenty of fish in the sea." There is someone out there waiting for someone just like you to come along and steal their heart. So don't settle. Don't let someone make you feel worth less than what you are. Don't let someone try to change you.

Don't forget your value. Don't forget your worth. Remember, you are beautiful as you are, inside and out. Don't feel rushed to find the perfect someone. They will come when it's time, and you will be glad that no one else worked out. So go and find someone who loves you, for you. And don't settle for anything less.