I’m okay with being a nice guy and finishing last.

I consider myself one of the “nice guys.” I’ve never smoked. I’m not out getting drunk every weekend. I’m 21 years old. I was raised in a Southern Baptist household and went to church on Sundays. Does this make me a “nice guy”? Not necessarily, but it’s who I am.

One of the things my dad always taught me, on purpose or not, is that as a man, your job is to make your partner happy; to be the rock when needed, the shoulder to cry on, and the listener when they need to talk. Whenever I am either in a relationship or pursuing one, the number one thing I try to make sure is that she is happy. Even if that means leaving her when you know she’s not the one. Putting a smile on her face is what I live for. It makes problems disappear. It makes time stand still where you know everything is right. It’s one of the best feelings in the world, knowing what you have done, has made a difference in their life. A woman’s smile is one of the most beautiful things I have seen. It has the ability to liven up any day and brighten any room.

I had met this girl once and it was, for me, love at first sight. It was a classic turn to your best friend and say, “See that girl over there, I’m going to marry her” moment. I completely let my guard down for this girl and gave her all of me. I thought she was the one. She would tell me that there was no one who could treat her like I would. That I was such a nice guy, yet I never received all of her back. She chose another guy, and it hurt.

I don’t want a relationship that’s 50-50. Or even 100-50. It should be two people, both bringing 100 percent of themselves to the table. Otherwise, it won’t work. As a nice guy, constantly giving 100 percent of yourself to someone, only to have it rejected, starts to take a toll. You start to think what you’re doing is wrong. But then I look at my parents who have been married for 27 years and I’m reminded that the time will come where she’ll be ready to give 100 percent.

The dating society that we live in now is based on messaging someone online and asking to ‘Netflix and chill,’ which we all know means put on a stupid movie on in the background while we make out. The problem with this is we start talking to someone until we catch feelings and then eventually move on, never to really talk to that person again. See, that’s not real to me.

My parents met in college so I always assumed I would meet my wife in college as well. Sadly, Cyndi Lauper was right. These girls just wanna have fun. Because of failed relationships where I was told I was ‘too nice,’ I’ve learned that God was just saving the best for last and that’s why it’s okay to finish last.

She’s coming, and she’s coming as fast as she can.