I recently read an article entitled “To The Boy That Loves My Little Next."

It was absolutely adorable. I laughed out loud when I read it. I was two seconds away from clicking the share button when I felt a little tug in my heart. And it got me thinking –– I don’t want just some random boy to love my little next.

If a boy –– no wait, I’m sorry –– If a man takes an interest in one of the sweet girls that I’m lucky enough to call my littles, then there’s got to be a lot more going on than just wanting to "Netflix and Chill." So, that being said, here is a letter to the man who wants to pursue my little.

To whom in may concern,

So.

You want to date my little, huh?

Well, good sir, pull up a chair and sit yourself down, because I have some truth to rain down on your heart.

My little is wonderful. And amazing. And precious. She is my baby, and she is a gift from God. So, if you want to date this sweet little of mine, then there are a few things that need to be established first. Before we go any farther, read through this short list, and then if you’re still interested, we’ll talk.

1. She is not perfect (and Neither are you)

I love my little. As previously established, she is amazing, funny, talented, smart, beautiful –– the list goes on and on (and no, I’m not biased). But in all honesty, when I say she isn’t perfect, I mean it. And you aren’t perfect either. Because none of us are. We are all flawed humans who have emotions, and quirks, and struggles, and frustrations that make us hard to deal with sometimes. And if you have any desire to be the keeper of my little’s heart, you will understand that. And, like Jesus, you will love her in spite of that. The beautiful thing about acknowledging that she isn’t perfect is that it sets you both free. If you expect perfection from her, then she will fail every day. She'll never meet every expectation you have because she can’t. There is only one person who can do that, and His name is Jesus. Let Him be your perfection, and let her be free to be your girlfriend –– your flawed, wonderful, frustratingly beautiful, imperfect girlfriend.

2. Just because she’s a great cuddler doesn’t mean you shouldn’t respect her boundaries

My little and I have awesome snuggle sessions. The couch, Netflix and snacks are always a viable Friday night option for us. Seriously, she rocks. However, even though she rocks at cuddling, it doesn’t mean that her body belongs to you or that it’s fair game for whatever. She belongs, first and foremost, to the Lord. She was purchased with the blood of Christ, and if you have any interest in dating my little, you will honor that. She is a daughter of the Most High King –– she is a beautiful princess, and she deserves to be treated as such. So Netflix and Chill means just that –– watch some Netflix and chill yourself out until you put a ring on her precious little finger (with my blessing, of course).

3. Love her like Jesus loves the Church

If you are seeking to date my little, I’m assuming that it is with the best of intentions (it better be). Don’t waste her time pursuing her if you aren’t interested in something with the possibility of permanence. That being said, practice what is said in Ephesians 5. No, you aren’t married yet, but it never hurts to practice. Love her like Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for her. Put her needs above your own. Be there for her, listen to her stories, enjoy her laughter, and hold her when she cries. This girl is amazing- she is beautiful, humble, kind, strong, full of grace and truth, and yes, she can rap. Be thankful for all these wonderful things about her and cherish them. Love her like you love yourself- and she, in turn, will seek to do the same.

4. My approval is not the most important approval you need

Don’t get me wrong. My approval is important. Exponentially important. Keep that in mind, young Padawan, and you will do well. However, the most important approval that you will ever need to seek is that of the Lord’s. My little’s heart belongs to Jesus. If you want her, you gotta go through Him. Don’t take this lightly. Seriously. For your relationship with her to be successful, and really, for anything you do in life to be successful, you must go to Jesus first. Seek His guidance. Seek His council. Seek His strength and wisdom. And from there, you may seek my little’s heart. If it is what the Lord has planned, and if both of you are in a place to love each other patiently, kindly, and selflessly, then it will happen. And if it does, you will be so blessed. My little is a gift from God, and if you are wanting to date her, then I am sure you already know that.

If what is described above sounds like the kind of relationship you are seeking, if protecting her relationship with Jesus is a top priority of yours, and if you are ready to deal with her obsession with weenie dogs and rap music, then I think you’re ready to date my little. I hope I see you around, and don’t worry- if I really like you, then I’m okay with sharing her heart with you.

Sincerely,

A Big Who Really Loves Her Little(s)

P.S. She likes butterfingers and sour punch straws. You’re welcome.