These days many people judge one another whether that be because of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. I believe that we have no say in the way we were brought up, almost like the idea behind we have no say in who we fall for. Whether it’d be guy or girl, we fall for who we do and it has nothing to do with beliefs and values set by our parents and society rather, an uncontrollable internalized love from the heart. If there is one thing that challenged my personal values shaped by my parents and society I live in, it was the sanctity of a relationship or marriage between a man and woman.

I found someone who has indeed challenged the values of those who have helped me develop mine. She has given me a whole new perspective on how I justify decisions, intentions and actions. I did not choose to love who I do much like people can not control the attraction they feel. For all of you struggling in choosing between your personal values vs. your personal beliefs this is for you and the girl who changed my whole perspective.

In June, I met my girlfriend who has made me realize that my feelings about myself and relationship I have with her is something that is okay, and if anything it is for the best! I'd rather be happy in a relationship with a girl who makes me genuinely happy, than a boy who does not for the sake of societal and parental pressures or expectations. I say be happy with who makes you happy for the sake of yourself, your life, and personal beliefs. Take a chance, find out who is willing to stay within your life while being entirely yourself, shake up your structured ways and pursue, don’t just be influenced by the pressures of others.

My girlfriend values me and you should find someone who will do the same. I say find someone who values you, no matter what their gender is. Find someone that doesn’t comply with the pressures of societal and parental expectations. Be who you are, love who you love, and own being the happiest you can be doing so! Nothing is worse than living within a structured societal complex that limits your need to be yourself. I just want to say thank you to my girlfriend, who has helped me realize that being who I am is beautiful.

Whenever society decides to judge you for being yourself, please just remember that you are entitled to be completely and entirely that. It has nothing to do with them! It is your basic human right to be who you are and love who you love without it affecting those who "disapprove."