Is it ok to be a 21st Century Feminist and still want a boyfriend?

As I am writing this on International Women's Day with Gloria Gaynor's 'I will Survive' playing in my headphones, I know I am a modern day feminist. I am everyday thankful for the women in my life, be that family members, old friends, who are like sisters, new friends, teachers, lecturers and work colleagues. I know I believe that men and women (and indeed those who don't identify with either of these genders) should be equal both in the work place and the world, that they should be payed equally for their work. I think everyone should be able to express their emotions in a healthy way, should be free to sexual agency without judgement, and live life in a way that they please as long as it doesn't hurt or offend.

But why do I still regular have the conversation on a regular basis, that starts with the vehement plea: 'I want a boyfriend'.

All the great role models of the 1990s do not seem to have aged well in this regard. Bridget Jones, who despite quitting her job after being sexual and emotional exploited by someone in a position of power and pursuing her dream career, AND succeeding at it, she has been somewhat thrown under the bus for wanting a boyfriend, and not enjoying being single.

The female characters of 'Friends' also get a similar treatment, they are strong women who support each other, encourage the men in their lives to share their feelings and emotions, and all have careers that they are passionate about. But this too doesn't hold up to the eyes of modern criticism because the women are seeking relationships.

Why has it become seemingly unacceptable to be a modern woman who wants to be in a relationship?

I don't think there's anything wrong with being single or indeed seeking sexual independence, and indeed these both seem to be things that are encouraged and pioneered by the new wave of feminists, ad yet the ones of us who are still desperate seeking, the romantics left in the modern world, seem to get shot down in the cross fire.

It is 2019. It has become very clear that women don't need to be in relationships to be successful, happy or fulfilled, they are perfectly capable of doing that on their own. But, let's not criticise those around us for actively seeking that which they think will make them happier.