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A common question I receive is whether or not I have a boyfriend. My common response would be a polite smile and simple: “No, I’m busy handling the relationship I have with myself.”

alone, sad, boyfriend-less… NOT!!

We hope to have our own love story like those we read about in books or watch in movies. (My personal dream love story = A Walk to Remember – death + Twilight + Pride and Prejudice + a dash of comedy from Princess Bride) The courting, the exchanged glances and the treasured “first kiss”—all of which come with butterflies in your stomach and a light feeling in your heart.

As grand and wonderful as it all sounds, we shouldn’t grow impatient in waiting for it to come. (Have you ever heard the quote; “Love is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but when you just let it fly, it will come to you when you least expect it?”) There are cases where girls rush into a relationship just to experience and boast. Though a meaningful relationship should be based on something more.

As teenagers, we sometimes feel the pressure to look at the opposite sex and immediately consider them as “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” material. We feel the need to have a boyfriend because everyone else has one. The media sometimes sends mixed messages that teenagers without one are socially handicapped or inferior. (*roll of eyes at that gibberish*)

Seeking something greater…

I believe the purpose of a teenage relationship is to discover new things and grow with someone you truly care about. Most teenage relationships don’t end up in marriage so the best that can come out of a short-term one is becoming a better person and making a great friend. Relationships should never end bitterly because no matter how much we believed “forever” meant or how serious we thought it was, we must be strong enough to move on and grow.

But where do we get this strength? The answer lies inside of you. The beauty of being boyfriend-free is you have more time to yourself. It’s not about developing an ego, but rather the chance to get to know and understand WHO you are. You become confident, happy and way more interesting then you could ever imagine. Moreover, you’re able to gain friends (both boys and girls) who see the newfound beauty radiating out of you.

in good company

“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are (flaws and all), your simple presence can make others happy.” —Author Unknown

Whether you’re in a relationship now or not, allow your wings to spread and try to discover what is great about Y-O-U. Figure out your goals (what interests you) and how you can achieve them. Strive to be different: above & beyond the stereotypical hype. You’d be surprised how far you can go when you take the time to get to know yourself.

Me: Loving who I am

Signed:
Never Been Kissed but still waiting for Edward Cullen,
Patricia

P.S.
Coincidentally, Happy 29th Anniversary to Mom and Dad! Congratulations on having such a successful marriage despite having to deal with 5 giants in the house