I have a confession to make–I believe in true love. I am also a rom-com enthusiast, an avid romance reader and a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic. But for some inexplicable reason, people try to convince me that this is the wrong way to live my life.

I’ve had friends, family members and mere acquaintances tell me that my stance on love and relationships is too optimistic to the point of naivety. They try to convince me that I will inevitably be disappointed if I hold out for the kind of love I read about in books.

I fundamentally disagree with the notion that I should lower my romantic expectations to match a world with increasingly declining standards.

People have even suggested that I prepare myself for an uninteresting life. They believe boring is safer than passion and heartbreak. If I don’t expect too much, they believe I will find more contentment.

That mindset may work for some, but that is not my chosen path.

The fact is, I am a happy person. I know exactly who I am and am unflinchingly authentic. So why would I settle for a relationship that doesn’t enhance the already full life I have?

I don’t need a significant other to make my world complete. This is why I keep my head and heart in the sky. Only a truly remarkable romance could make me any happier than I am now.

I think if more people were content with their genuine selves before committing to relationships, the population would be more joyful. What would happen to human morale if we stopped settling for sub-par lives?

I recognize that I may never meet a man who lives up to my expectations for love. But I’m at peace with that possibility because I’ve already known enough passion to last a lifetime. If he doesn’t put butterflies in my stomach or stars in my eyes, I won’t allow him to ruin this beautiful world I have built for myself.

Julia Roberts said, “I want the fairytale.” I think we can all agree that in 2025, a man isn’t needed to secure a happy ending. I’m already headed towards happily ever after, and my story will continue with or without Prince Charming, so he better have one heck of a glass slipper if he wants a key to my castle.

Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic. Yes, I’m optimistic, maybe naive. I probably read too much and watch “Pride and Prejudice” too often.

However, the books, movies and my own self-confidence instilled a powerful hope inside my soul that never fails to keep me going. I would much rather continue my happy life holding out for a once-in-a-lifetime love than settle for a relationship that always leaves me wanting more.