Let’s say you meet the perfect person. They are the Edward Cullen or Jessica Alba of your life. But would you change yourself, your college plans or your future dreams for this person?

I most certainly hope not.

You should never have to change yourself for a significant other. If they do not love you for who you are then the relationship is going to suffer. Because, in reality, they don’t love “you,” they love the person “they want you to be.”

In a relationship, it is unfair to feel sub-par. Your significant other should encourage and support you for being the person you choose to be. And trust me it’s not worth pretending to be someone you are not.

In the long run you will never be happy, and everyone deserves to feel as if they are an important part of their significant other’s life.

Who really wants to be in a miserable relationship?

Nobody.

Who really wants to stay with someone who prevents them from being themselves?

Nobody.

C’mon, most of us want the “fairytale ending.” And I truly believe there is someone in this world for everyone – someone who will love you and all of your imperfections.

College is the next big step in many people’s lives. You should go where you want to go and study what you want to study. Discuss your future plans with your significant other, and if they want you to compromise your plans, then think twice about the relationship.

It is not logical to change your college plans for a person you may not be involved with six months down the road. I have a friend who is proof that changing your college plans for the one you “love,” is a horrible idea.

Ever since he was little he wanted to attend the University of Georgia. However, his girlfriend of two years ended up going to a school far away. and he followed her.

They broke up a few months after school started, and he realized that he never belonged anywhere but UGA.

There is never a 100 percent guarantee that you and your current partner are going to last – no matter how long you have been dating. It’s not wise to follow them and settle for less than what you truly want.

As far as future dreams go, if you want to go to graduate school, travel the world, or start your career, then do it!

If you do not follow your dreams, then you will always regret it. You will have that “what if?” in the back of your mind, and it will never go away. If the two of you really do love each other, then the relationship will endure distance and adversity.

You only live once, so take advantage of all of life’s opportunities . with or without your significant other. Trying to completely change yourself and stay happy is like wishing for rain as you stand in the desert.

The bottom line: follow your plans first, and you never know, you may find happiness and your perfect match in the process.

- Jourdana Passaro is a junior from St. Marys, Ga., majoring in risk management and insurance and magazines