Girls are constantly given the message that they are not complete without a boyfriend. Whenever you turn on the TV you see commercials or shows with couples walking hand in hand looking very much in love. And if you pick up a copy of YM or Cosmo Girl magazine you'll read headlines that say things like: "How to get him to notice you. Or, "How to get the guy of your dreams to ask you out in six easy steps.It's enough to make a girl feel like there's something wrong with her if she doesn't have a boyfriend or at least a guy that she's interested in.

Believe it or not, there is nothing wrong with not having a boyfriend. You are not the only girl who doesn't have a boyfriend. And finding a boyfriend just for the sake of being in a relationship is a bad idea. A healthy relationship can only happen when both people are ready and feel complete within themselves.

Sometimes when you focus too much attention on finding a boyfriend, you let your own dreams and interests slip away. And sometimes you even become depressed because you begin to base your happiness and sense of self on whether or not you're in a relationship. Stop buying into the myth that you are not complete unless you're in a relationship. This is simply not true.

In fact, one of the most obvious indicators of a confident and empowered girl is one who doesn't need a guy to validate her. Enjoy being single. Spend time doing things that interests you and contribute to your positive development. When the time is right you will find a boyfriend.

This article is excerpted from Cassandra Mack's book, "Cool, Confident and Strong: 52 Power Moves for Girls."