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21 & Solo: Learning To Love Me Before ‘We’

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter.

Being single at 21, it’s like I’ve found this rhythm to life that just feels right. I’ve been riding solo for a while now, and it’s shaped the way I see my days and my dreams. Sure, there’s a part of me that imagines being with someone, introducing them to my parents, and sharing those big life moments. But then, there’s the real talk — I’m so swamped with life, juggling a million things at once, that carving out a moment just for me feels like a luxury.

I love the feeling of doing things for myself like paying for my own stuff. It makes me feel strong and independent. But other times, I wonder how it would be if someone did sweet things for me like opening my car door or giving me surprise presents or “just because” flowers.

So I’m caught in this tug-of-war inside my head. On one side, there’s this idea of romance, the kind that movies and songs are all about. And on the other, there’s my reality — my packed calendar, the to-do list that never ends, and sometimes, just sometimes, I want to hit pause and breathe.

I keep wondering about these mixed feelings. Maybe it’s because being single has become my comfort zone. It’s what I know best. Or maybe it’s because society keeps telling us we’re supposed to find the “one” at a certain age. Here’s the thing — I’m learning that there’s no timeline for this stuff. It’s okay to be busy, to be focused, and to not have it all figured out yet.

But then, I stop and think: Do I really want all that, or am I still trying to figure out how to be good to myself? I’m learning that before I can dive into loving someone else, I need to get good at loving myself. It’s not always easy, but I’m working on it. I’m trying to be cool with just me and enjoy my own company. And once I’ve got that down, maybe I’ll be ready to let someone else in, to share those special little things with.

The truth is, I’m still learning to love myself, to really dig deep and embrace who I am, flaws and all. And isn’t that the first step? How can I jump into loving someone else if I’m still on this journey of self-discovery? I think that’s why I’m okay with being single right now. It’s not about not wanting love; it’s about getting ready for it, on my own terms, in my own time.

This year, I’ll be celebrating another Valentine’s Day as a party of one which stings a bit, not gonna lie. Scrolling through social media, it’s like a parade of perfect couples, all smiles and heart emojis. And there I am, just me, but then I remember — I’ve got my crew, my best friends. They’re the ones who have been there for me, who know all my stories, and still stick around.

We make our own fun, create our own traditions. Who says Valentine’s Day is just for couples? We’ve turned it into a day about our friendship. It’s not just about romance; it’s about connection, being there for each other, no matter what.

And that’s the beauty of it. I’m never truly alone. Sure, I don’t have that one special person, but I’ve got something just as powerful: a group of friends who are always by my side. It might pinch a little to be single on a day that’s all about couples, but with my friends, I’ve got all the love I need.

For now, I’m all about that self-love life. It’s about knowing that I’m enough and that I don’t need someone else to prove that. But hey, a little pampering wouldn’t hurt, as long as I remember that the most important love is the love I give to myself. That’s the love that sets the stage for all other love in my life.

Jessica Holgado is a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she studies public relations and professional writing and editing. This semester, she's taking on a new challenge as a first-time writer with HerCampus. Outside of academics, Holgado has a passion for traveling, working out, and taking photographs. She enjoys writing about pop culture, travel, and food.