As a 23-year-old single girl, I often find myself wrestling with the feeling of loneliness. Being in my early 20s, I imagined this would be a time filled with adventure, friendships, and carefree joy. But the reality is that there’s a void—a sense of something missing. I find myself longing for a partner, someone to share my journey with, someone to laugh and cry with, someone who just understands.
It’s easy to think that everyone around me is moving forward with their lives. Many of my friends are in relationships, sharing their adorable couple photos on social media, while I sit here wondering when it’ll be my turn. It’s not that I don’t have an active social life or am lacking in any area of personal growth; I just yearn for that deeper, more intimate connection.
Loneliness is a complex emotion, and it can feel like an overwhelming weight. I remind myself that feeling lonely doesn’t mean I’m alone. I have a support system, friends, family, and hobbies I cherish. Yet, the desire for a romantic partner feels like an inherent part of who I am.
What’s frustrating is the pressure from society. The expectation that by my age, I should already be in a relationship or at least actively dating can be suffocating. I often feel like I’m behind, especially when people ask, “Why are you still single?” as if being single is a problem that needs to be fixed.
I’m learning to be patient with myself. I know that love will come in its own time, and I’m trying to focus on my own journey. I keep reminding myself that being single isn’t a reflection of my worth, and that it’s okay to take time to find the right person. In the meantime, I’m working on being my own best companion and finding peace in this chapter of my life.
