It's interesting as I read your post and see that you are 22 and I start to think about where I was at 22 and where I am now.

I met my first husband at 19. We dated for one month and got engaged (red flag number one). We set a date for the wedding but he lost his job, so we ended up dating for 3 1/2 years before we got married. I was not in tune with myself so I didn't see the warning signs then.

At the back of the church I had an empty beer bottle that I filled with brandy and was drinking before I walked down the aisle hmmm......Then my dad walks me down the aisle and gives me to my husband to be, who turns to me looks at my chest and says "nice cleavage" hmmm......(I looked at the pastor in embarrassment and he said "you look beautiful".

Did I run down the aisle - nope? Why? Because no one else would ever love me and I better take what I could get. Needless to say, the marriage lasted less than a year and a half and ended with stalking and a restraining order (I still don't have a phone number listed to this day).

It took me until I was 40 to realize that I don't want a long term relationship until I am ready and comfortable in my own skin. That I don't want someone to make me better, I just want someone to share in how good I am.

I'm glad you're thinking about this and identifying all the goals that you have. Chase those dreams and when things are right you will find love, not fall in love.

Tranquility