Elisha,

You open up to people, but you don’t necessarily trust them. Forming relationships and bonds is in itself a kind of game. You put on a “mask” (easy-going, thoughtful, positive, bright) and approach another person and try to get to know that person through small-talk. At the same time, you try the best you could to keep your own “mask” on. After a few conversations, you form an opinion about that person and then you decide whether or not you want to make friends with him/her. The key is to never give in to your emotions.

If you feel that conversations are awkward, that’s because you still need practice. Don’t be afraid of the mistakes you make. Because you can always renew your image by saying something good in the next conversation with another person/same person.

And remember, keep on practicing…

Cynthia,
Both your friends and your parents are wrong. You are 21 and that is the golden age when you should be traveling, having fun, studying, maturing and figuring out life (by yourself). You are currently on the right track and there is no need to deviate from the path you’ve set for yourself.

However, understand that your parents and friends have good intent. From their own personal experience, they’ve learned that sharing life with the person they love increases happiness, but that’s because they’ve met the right person. Your situation is different, you haven’t met that person yet, and before you do, enjoy every moment of your single life (because it won’t last).

Remember that words are just words, you are the one handling the steering wheel and are already doing a great job. No one has a better understanding of your life than you do, so there is no need to become annoyed by their comments.