agaysianvagabond:

I really hate it when people ask me why I’m single. As if being single is some sort of a failure. I’ve been in relationships before and sure a boyfriend would be great, but I’m not going to be in a crap relationship just so I can say I have a partner.

This understanding took time to accept. When I was younger, all I wanted was a boyfriend because I felt like that would validate my existence and make me a part of the norm. It didn’t matter if the relationship was unhealthy or only lasted a few weeks or months. I reveled in the joy of telling my friends I had a boyfriend. I’ve come to learn that what I was searching for was not a boyfriend, but love. I just equated a boyfriend to mean love, which was hardly the case. Now the love I receive come in many forms: friends, family, blog buddies, patients, the many travelers I meet on the road, among others.

From my experience, gay relationships are fleeting at best anyway. I know of maybe only 3 couples that have been together for longer than 5 years. I wonder what the outcome would be once gays are allowed to marry. Will the sanctity of their relationship be stronger because of a piece of paper? Or will they just continue to add to the high rate of divorce in America?

I’m always open to meeting people and a possible relationship. I’m just not actively searching nor disappointed when it doesn’t happen. My self worth is not based on who my partner is. My happiness does not come from the person sharing my bed at night. I must be happy and accepting of my own shortcomings before I can expect someone else to accept them.

Being single has allowed me to travel the world, experience amazing things, and meet inspiring people. For me, being single is a choice. A choice that I would make again if presented the same options before me. So instead of asking me why I’m single, ask me if I feel loved. My answer will be, ’yes. always.’