I Have Never Been in a Relationship, Am I Behind?
If you have ever scrolled through your Instagram or TikTok feed, seen cute couple videos, going on dates, holidays or posted anniversary celebrations, you might have thought.
Am I missing something? Is everyone in a relationship but me?
The truth is: absolutely not. Not being in a relationship right now does not mean you are behind. It just means that your story is unfolding in its own time, and that is totally okay.
No Timer Exists for Love – Ignore the Film Countdown.
There is no “right age” to fall in love. Some may have their first-ever relationship at 13. Some at 23. Others even much later into their 30s and 40s. Love is not a race at all. There’s no prize for getting there first.
Where does this rush come from? The pressure to be in a relationship can often come from rom-com films and TV shows. It makes you think that you are meant to have a soulmate by the end of secondary school. Although there is a spoiler, real life is way less scripted.
Remember, those stories set expectations, not rules. You are perfectly normal if your relationship status does not match the film or TV show’s timeline you watched on Netflix. Your journey is at your own pace, period.
Being Single Isn’t a Problem to Fix
Not dating doesn’t mean you’re unlovable or weird or falling behind. It means you’re figuring out who you are, and that is powerful. You’re not rushing into something just to keep up. You are waiting until it feels right. That shows emotional maturity, not a lack of it.
Guess what? The best prep for any future relationship is knowing and loving yourself first!
Make use of this time to explore what makes you you. Your interests, your values and your boundaries.
Being Single Can Be Fabulous
Being single allows you to really focus on what you want. Whether that is picking up a new hobby, hanging out with friends, or figuring out your goals. You have plenty of time. You get to build confidence and independence that will make future relationships even healthier.
Social Media is Just a Highlight Reel
Remember that social media just shows the highlight reels- cute dates, happy smiles and quote-on-quote “relationship goals.” But what you don’t see are the awkward moments, messy fights, or even people who don’t want to be in a relationship right now.
Comparing yourself to those curated moments on social media that are polished highlights, is like judging your own life by someone else’s film trailer- it’s not accurate.
Keep thriving always
Remember you’re not “behind” and there is nothing wrong with you. It means you are on your own path. And love? It will come to you when it is meant to.
Until then, you are doing fine. Better than fine. You are thriving in your own lane!
So keep on being you, because the best things come to those who wait. You’re time is coming and it’s going to be amazing.