My name is Karmen, I’m 32, and I choose to stay single. This decision isn’t born from fear or loneliness—it’s the result of a deep understanding of my worth and the kind of love I want to invite into my life. I’ve been in relationships before, and while they brought some good memories, I’ve also learned the hard way that not all love is worth keeping.

I used to think love was something I needed to find to feel complete, like a missing piece that would suddenly make everything fall into place. But over the years, I realized that my completeness comes from within, not from someone else. It’s in my passions, my career, my friendships, and the quiet moments I spend nurturing my own growth. I learned that being in a relationship shouldn’t come with the sacrifice of losing yourself or dimming your light for someone else’s comfort.

I’ve seen relationships where love feels more like an obligation or a struggle, where one person compromises their identity to keep things going. I refuse to settle for that. I want a relationship that lifts me up, challenges me in healthy ways, and makes me feel more like me, not less.

So, for now, I’m content being single, knowing that when the right person comes along, their love will complement my life, not overshadow it. I won’t rush into something just to be in a relationship. I’m learning to embrace my independence, build the life I love, and wait patiently for a love that enhances everything I’ve worked so hard to become. Until then, I choose myself—and that is enough.