Few people know that I am a hopeless romantic.

My closest friends have accused me of taking absolutely anything and turning it into a love story. I even steer clear of chick flicks because they have the ability to totally change my mood.

I don't like the fact that a movie could have that control on my attitude, so I just don't watch them.

It's odd that I'm hopelessly romantic and single. It's even stranger to be perfectly content with my single status.

What is strangest, however, is that I think being single is totally romantic.

It's so sad how all the single and available folks get trapped in an ocean of self-pity when the season of pink and red hearts comes around.

Some sit around the house crying (watching chick flicks, by the way) and eating massive amounts of chocolate, french fries and ice cream. I often wonder why.

Most teens say that the purpose of dating is to find the one you are going to marry. If that's really the point, why do we become so absorbed with having a boyfriend or girlfriend when we're nowhere near marrying age?

I think it's because we all want the benefits of a romantic relationship without the commitment. We want ownership rights without responsibilities.

I see peers settling for less than the best all the time because they're unwilling to wait. I feel like there is one person out there for me, so why should I compromise and settle for someone else?

If my guy is going to be so great that I'm willing to commit my entire life to him, wouldn't he be worth waiting a few years for? I think so. I think the end result will be worth the wait.

When I stand before my husband on our wedding day and I'm able to tell him that I've saved everything (physically and emotionally) for him, I doubt I'll regret going to prom with my best friend and spending a few Friday nights alone at home. It's going to be worth it.

Rebekah Bryant is a freshman in home school.