A friend once gave me an invaluable piece of wisdom when I was feeling particularly lonely after dating and falling for a series of men who were unavailable to me. I was feeling as if no one no man will ever truly love me. But she told me that it would probably be quite some time before I found a man who truly appreciated and loved me as passionately as I cared for him but that it will be ok. She continued on that it is more than just "ok." In fact, it is a blessing in disguise because she told me I have so much living to do for now that has nothing to do with anyone other than me.

At first it was difficult to accept this. My initial reaction was to question how a life without my "true love" or, at least, the pursuit of him would be complete.

But after I received this advice, I have continued on with my life. During this time, I have dated and even fallen in love with a few men but with each of them provided me with a lesson that I am truly better for learning even if some of these experiences have left me feeling I had a broken heart.

But my heart has just been injured, not broken, for the spirit is much more resilient than we ever seem to give it credit. And when the dust settles after my brief love affairs, I always emerge stronger and a more whole version of myself. Over this time, my passions which have nothing to do with a man or romance or even sex have been ignited. I have discovered those things in life such as writing and dance that make me feel worthwhile in of myself without having a love interest validate me.

And I know ultimately, these lessons learned will make me the best, most complete, version of myself who will be ready for the best, most complete, version of my "true love" as surely the person I would choose to partner with and make a life with in the future is on a similar path of self-discovery.

After that advice and my experiences, even though I continue to date and sometimes love, somehow I feel less anxious to find this "true love" of mine. Of course, to be perfectly honest, sometimes a lonesome night finds me where I wonder out loud where this man is that I was promised we all have my personal knight in shining armor. But the point is these experiences are teaching me that there will be a man out there whom I truly love and shares those feelings for me but he won't be dashing knight coming to save me. And more importantly, I will not need him to save me because these experiences are making me feel strong on my own.

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