Turning 30 felt like a milestone—a mix of excitement for what’s ahead and unease about what hasn’t yet come. For years, I thought I’d have it all figured out by now: the dream job, a cozy home, and a partner to share life with. Yet here I am, still searching for “the one,” wondering if true love is even possible anymore.

It’s not for lack of trying. I’ve put myself out there, from awkward first dates to long-term relationships that didn’t quite work out. Each experience taught me something new about myself and what I want in a partner. But with every year that passes, it feels like the dating pool gets smaller and the connections more fleeting.

Sometimes, I ask myself: Is it me? Am I too picky, or has modern dating made it harder to build something real? With so many options and distractions, it’s easy for people to move on before they’ve even given a relationship a chance to grow.

But deep down, I still believe in love. I believe in finding someone who will challenge me, support me, and bring out the best in me. I don’t want to settle just because the clock is ticking or society tells me I should.

For now, I’m focusing on building a life I love—a life that’s full of meaning, passion, and joy. And if true love is out there, I trust that it’ll find me when the time is right. Until then, I’m holding on to hope.