Dating today (and I use that term loosely) is not what I want. I don't want to "have a thing" with someone or have the attention of someone who only pursues me on social media. Now don't get me wrong, there are exceptions to this stereotype guys have made today, but fellas let me give you some tips on what girls want.

1. Someone who is thoughtful

I like to make people's days with little surprises. I like to brighten people's day with a little note or something that I know they like. This says so much and can really encourage someone. It also shows that you were thinking about them.

2. Someone who really listens and talks to you

A big problem with dating today is that people try to say what they think the other person wants to hear. I would rather have someone who is truly their self and who I feel like I can be myself around. Being able to talk to someone about silly things and super serious things shows that you have a strong relationship.

3. Someone who is TRULY chivalrous

Not like someone who just holds the door for you, but someone who will actually CALL you on the phone. We live in a day in time where relationships are just over text message, but calling and really talking is so much better than words on a screen. Relationships today focus on how fast the person texted back, or if that person responded. On the phone it's not that complicated. Also walking to the door to get your date is a million times better than pulling up and texting "I'm here." I could go on and on about real chivalry, but those are just two examples.

4. Someone you can just be with

Relationships should not be pressured. Some of my best friendships I have are the ones where we can just sit with each other. We don't feel pressured to make conversation or fill awkward silences. We can laugh at nothing at all until we cry or just hang out.

5. Someone who loves you when your hair is a mess and when you have no makeup on

Something that I have learned is while attraction is important in relationships there is so much more to it than that. We are not always going to look perfect and looks will fade. Trust me, in the morning I do not look perfect, so I know if someone can love me like that they truly love me.

6. Someone who loves you when you are an emotional mess

Your hair will be a mess at time, but someone who will be there when you are emotionally drained and feel like you can't go on is so important. Someone who will be a shoulder to cry on, a person to laugh with, and someone you can vent to can be such a blessing.

7. Someone who will read the Word with you and help you grow in your faith

This, by far, is the most important. A guy cannot be pursuing you if he is not chasing after the Lord with his whole heart. This is such an attractive characteristic in a person. Being able to read and study the Word together can grow you closer than anything else ever could. I want someone who will stop when I am an emotional mess and pray for me. I want someone who will pray continually and have an ongoing conversation with the Lord.

So here are just some things I think relationships need to have. In the waiting, I strive to be this kind of woman. I look at every one of these points and try to daily put them into practice with my friends and family. I challenge you to do the same. While you are waiting on that "happily ever after" live in the power that you know Jesus has already won. He is your "happily ever after" and so much more than you could ever imagine.