The One About Relationships

Hello everybody,

 Today I'm going to be talking about boys... so that's... fun. Or more specifically, romance, specifically among teenagers.

 I, myself, have never been in a relationship of any sort. Until just recently, I didn't even really talk to many guys except for one or two I'd grown up with, and even now I don't regularly hang out with guys. If you don't get to know someone, it's hard for a relationship to develop; and I think that's something I've been thinking about a lot lately.

 I am not someone who is good at reaching out to get to know people. I'm always terrified of things coming across as creepy or awkward, and then I end up avoiding it altogether. Friendships are a struggle and romantic relationships? Forget it.

 But due to this, I've been able to see my friends & peers go on dates and develop relationships. Watching from the outside, it's quite interesting to see how relationships come about. I have friends who have already gotten married, friends who have never dated/gotten married, friends who are casually dating, friends who are in a official relationship... and I guess the thing that I've learned through all of that is to not let your relationship status define you.

 People, especially teenagers and young adults, seem so keen on letting their relationships define themselves. I know there's this desire to love and to be loved- but it doesn't have to be romantic. There is joy in just learning about yourself, loving friends and loving family. Everyone has a different time line. Some people don't ever get married or date, and that's totally fine, too. Your worth, value, and personality is not determined by who you are-or-aren't with.

 There is a boy I like, and that's okay. But I'm not in any rush to pursue a relationship, because I need to work on myself first. Me, myself & I. Above all, I know that God loves me. And truly, that trumps any relationship here on earth, romantic or platonic. Because I know that no matter what my relationship status is, God is always there. He is always looking out for me, and that's all I need to know.

 Ciao for now,
 Hannah Bailey