Episode 1: On Waiting for the Right Person

As I sit here, pen in hand (or should I say — computer on lap), I can’t help but reflect on the years that have passed, the imagined first dates, the ghostly heartbreaks, and the gnawing feeling that maybe, just maybe, I’ve been waiting for the right person all along — myself. We live in a world where everything is instant — fast food, fast fashion, and even fast love. It’s no surprise that the pressure to find “the one” can be overwhelming. All around me, friends are getting engaged, getting married, some even having babies, and here I am, still searching for that genuine connection.

Watching my friends’ lives unfold can sometimes feel like a relentless reminder of my own perceived shortcomings in the realm of love and relationships. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt and compare myself to others, wondering if there’s something wrong with me. But I’ve come to realize that this journey of waiting for the right person is not a curse, but rather an opportunity to come home to myself.

For years, I’ve wondered about the person who could complete me, who would make my life whole. Sitting back and watching as my friends fall in love, and better yet, my siblings, has been difficult to say the least, especially during the holidays (lone cookie decorator over here). But in this quest, I’ve often overlooked a fundamental truth: the only person who can truly make my life whole is me. The idea of self-love and self-fulfillment can be cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason — because it’s undeniably true. It’s in our own completeness that we find the strength to wait for the right person without feeling desperate or incomplete.

We all have our own timelines, and just because my journey to find the right person has been different from my friends doesn’t mean it’s any less valid or valuable. This period of waiting can be seen as a gift, a time to grow, to learn, and to understand ourselves better. It’s a time to explore our passions, set new goals, and deepen our relationships with friends and family. As I’ve embraced this concept, I’ve found that in the process of waiting, I’ve discovered new facets of myself I never even knew existed.

One important lesson I’ve learned is that being alone is not the same as being lonely. In fact, solitude can be incredibly liberating. In being alone, I’ve found the time for new hobbies and experiences, writing being the most rewarding. These experiences have not only broadened my horizons but have also made me a more self-assured and resilient person.

During this waiting period, I’ve also found that I’ve become more attuned to what I truly want in a partner. I’ve become better at recognizing the qualities and values that matter most to me in a relationship. It’s about not settling for less than what I deserve, and understanding that I deserve someone who values and respects me for who I am, faults and all.

While waiting for the right person can be challenging, it’s important to remember that it’s not about putting our lives on hold. It’s about living fully in the present, embracing our own journey, and trusting that the right person will come into our lives when the time is right. After all, they say that love often finds us when we least expect it!

So, here’s to waiting for the right person — and realizing that sometimes, that person is actually you. It’s about coming home to yourself, loving yourself fiercely, and knowing that your worth is not determined by your relationship status. It’s about growing, evolving, and being the best version of yourself, whether you’re waiting for love to find you or not.