I’m Susan, 37, and I’m single by choice. That sentence often makes people pause. “But why?” they ask, as though being single at my age must be a sign of some flaw or regret. But for me, it’s the opposite. I’m not single because I’ve given up on love—I’m single because I refuse to settle for anything less than extraordinary.

There was a time when I thought being in a relationship was the ultimate marker of success. I dated, I compromised, and I tried to fit myself into molds that weren’t meant for me, all in the name of “making it work.” But the more I gave, the less of myself I recognized. I realized that some relationships didn’t elevate me—they diminished me, leaving me questioning my worth and my purpose.

So, I made a decision. I decided to choose myself first. I decided that a relationship should enhance my life, not overshadow the woman I’ve worked so hard to become. Being single doesn’t mean I’m alone—it means I’ve surrounded myself with love in different forms: my friends, my family, my passions, and, most importantly, myself.

I know what I bring to the table: confidence, kindness, ambition, and joy. And I know the right relationship will feel like a partnership, not a sacrifice. Until then, I’m perfectly happy building a life I love, knowing that when the right person comes along, they’ll only add to the beautiful story I’m already living.