What is your take on a someone choosing to be independent for awhile?

It could be a woman or a man. I am only 18, soon to be 19 in a few months. A lot of my friends at or around my age, they kind of seem to feel like they HAVE to have a boyfriend/girlfriend. Although I have never really had a serious relationship, I don't feel like I NEED to have anyone right now. My mom says that, "That's bullshit." and that I am, "Being a cold-hearted bitc h." Also, our neighbor says that she is not interested in having any relationship, and my mom says that it's crap. What's so wrong if someone wants to focus on them SELF for awhile? I don't see anything wrong with being alone. I started to think, "Why do people feel they need someone else? Why are they sad if they are alone?" It's called self-love.

My mom says, "You're only saying that because you never had anyone. You're putting up walls." I mean...I don't see the point. It is true that ANYONE can hurt you, but I have my whole life for that stuff. I can choose to focus on me and other parts of my life. My mom just doesn't seem to think someone can choose to be alone, and be happy.

Help or advice? Thank you! :)