1. You'll meet one or both of my parents, on, or before, the first date.

You're going to have to meet them before you take me out, anywhere. They are a pretty good judge of character, and like knowing who I'm with, especially if they don't know you or your family.

2. My dad is going to intimidate you.

Whether it's sitting at the table cleaning his guns or staring you down from across the room, my dad will do everything he possibly can to intimidate you. He will probably even research you on the Internet. After all, I am daddy's little girl. But once he gets to know you and if you stick around, he'll open up a little bit more. Only if you don't do anything stupid.

3. I expect you to pay on the first date.

Paying on the first date is pretty much the accepted norm of dating, so I expect you to grab that bill when it arrives at our table. After the first date, though, if I go for the check and tell you "No, really, I'm paying," then that means I'm going to pay. Let me take care of the check, and of you, for the night. I was raised to be able to take care of myself, and to pay every now and again.

4. My mom is my closest confidant.

She will know everything from the first time we kiss, to the first time we fight over something incredibly stupid. She will know almost every aspect of your life that you tell me, and then some. Don't be surprised if she brings something up that you didn't know she knew. I'm never going to apologize for the relationship I have with her.

5. Family matters.

My family is one of the most important things to me, so if I bring you around and introduce you to everyone (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great aunts, great uncles, etc.), you can consider yourself in pretty good standing. Now whether or not they actually like you, is a completely different story.

6. I will never move anywhere that's not within a three-hour driving distance from home.

Coinciding with the previous statement, family is important, and I'll want to be near enough to see them at least once a week. So if you have big dreams of moving off to Africa, or Minnesota, this relationship won't be going anywhere, and you can kiss it goodbye.

7. Don't call me "sexy" or "bae."

"Sexy" and "bae" don't work for me. If you want me to question your maturity and your stance on this relationship, then by all means go ahead and try those words out on me. Just remember that my daddy always told me, never to accept anything less than "beautiful."

8. I'm not afraid to get a little dirty.

Mud-riding or fishing, paintballing or hunting, I can keep up with you just as well as any of the boys. You never know, I might even be a little better than you and your friends. Take me to a gun range and I'll fire twice as many bullets into the target as you do.

9. There is always at least one pair of cowboy boots in my closet.

And they really go with anything. I'll wear them with my sundresses at tailgates, or I'll wear them with jeans and a cute shirt to go out. I love my cowboy boots and can pretty much choose any outfit for them to go with. I have a pair for the winter and a pair for the spring and even a pair that only rock a specific outfit. Oh, and I will never forget to wear my pearls.

10. Football is not just a sport; it's a way of life.

Much to your disbelief, I actually like football and understand what's going on. I don't need a play-by-play, or you to think I wouldn't want that extra ticket to the game. Football Sunday is a ritual in my household, and during school, you'll always be able to find me at the stadium on Saturdays.

11. Religion is an important part of my life, and nothing will ever change that.

I was born and raised to be a Christian, and nothing you say or do will ever change that. I pray before my supper, read the Bible whenever I can, and will attempt to be at church every weekend wearing my Sunday's best. I prefer my men to have faith, whether it be the same as mine or slightly different.

12. I'm playing for keeps.

If I take the time to get to know you, then I'm not messing around. I respect people too much to knowingly hurt them by just tossing them to the side in the end. I'm not playing a game of secrets and backstabbing, rumors and gossip. I'm playing for keeps. I'm in this relationship to see if it will be strong enough to last the test of time, faith, and family.