Oh, love.

I'm sick of people who let others define them. Yes, I have been guilty of this in the past. Does it make me a hypocrite? No.

It has made me a stronger independent person, because I have learned from that mistake. But, now I see it everywhere. In so many relationships, people become so attached and dependent on one other person and it makes me sick. Even in marriage, you have to be independently established. I'm tired of the mushy phrases; "I would die for them," "I would do anything for them," or my favorite, "I can't live without them." Sure, they all sound nice and it would flatter you, but there is more to a relationship than that.

In a relationship, there has to be commitment, trust, and friendship, along with love. You can't be "in love" with someone with one of those things missing. Your "significant other" is there to enhance your life, and to help you grow into a better you; not to define you. You have to be able to live on your own inside and outside of a relationship. This is why I have so many problems with dating in high school. Let's be honest. Girls mature before most guys. No matter what, it is hard to trust a guy one hundred percent. Girls look for different things in a relationship than most boys. I'm not saying it's impossible to find "true love" in high school, but it's improbable.

I believe in waiting for true love. Sure, dating is fun, and helps you decide what you want in a relationship, but that's all that it should be, at least for now. Most of the time at this age, serious relationships lead to disappointments. Rarely, a relationship will last past high school and through college. I'm not saying to not date and enjoy it while you can, but to just be careful with it. Don't set yourself up for a disappointment. Don't do anything you know you will regret if that relationship doesn't work out in the end, because chances are, that it most likely won't. I'm not being pessimistic; I'm being truthful.

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this. It's just been on my mind lately. Take it or leave it.