I am okay on my own. I have plenty of work and friends and hobbies to fill up my free time. I am comfortable eating dinner by myself and it doesn’t scare me to spend the night alone in an empty apartment.

I’m not embarrassed about my single status and I’m not under the false impression that I need to settle down by a certain age. I’m happy for my friends with wedding rings and not jealous that they reached the milestone first. I understand we’re in different places and I’m good with that.

I don’t care if others judge me for still being single because I’m happy and that’s all that matters. I love the life I have created for myself and am proud that I did it all on my own.

I am a strong, independent woman with a bright future in front of her — but I still want to find my forever person.

I’m not looking for them, so that I have someone to help me pay my bills or so I can cut down on my end of the housework. I’m not looking for them, so that I can shut up the aunts and grandparents who keep grilling me about why I am still single.

I’m not looking for them because I feel like I need them. Because I can’t stand being alone with my thoughts. Because another person would make me feel better about myself, would make me feel fulfilled in a way that nothing else has.

The only reason I am looking for my forever person is because it would be nice to share my success with someone. It would be nice to have a lap to lean on while relaxing on the couch after a long week of work. It would be nice to have my hand squeezed and my heart held with the promise of forever.

I don’t mind falling asleep in an empty bed, but it would be nice to share it with another warm body. I don’t mind living on my own, but it would be nice to wake up to the sound of a running shower or eggs cooking. I don’t mind facing all of my issues alone, but it would be nice to know someone is there for me no matter what I go through.

Of course, I am not going to sacrifice my dreams for another person. I am not going to lower my standards in order to make room for them in my life. I am not going to accept any relationship. I am going to search for the right relationship.

I am a strong woman, but I am not going to pretend to be coldhearted. I am not going to act like a skeptic when I am actually a romantic at heart. I am not going to lie about thinking monogamy isn’t for me.

I am not ashamed to admit that I want someone who will cause laughter and soothe tears, someone who will be my best friend and my forever person.

I don’t need them. But I want them. So I am going to continue to search for them. Because strong women deserve love, too.