Since I was a little girl, I've been in love with the idea of love. I got excited and hopeful that I would one day find what my parents and grandparents had. I was always excited to get on the journey of dating to eventually find love. What I completely forgot was the many lessons and trials I would have while in a relationship. I also neglected to think of the qualities I would want in the "perfect" guy. Sharing my thought in this is something I never expected to do, but I hope it touches someone out there who maybe feels or felt the way I did.
Trust
Probably the biggest quality I want. No one ever likes feeling questioned or doubted. I once dated someone who seriously wouldn't even believe me if I said grass is green. When crazy trials happened in my life, I just needed someone to talk to, since that is my biggest method of coping, and wondering if who I was telling would believe me would constantly worry me. I learned that I need to surround myself with people who trust me in what I say and do, and to do the same for others. I want people to come to be knowing there would never be a trust issue and that is something I strive daily to become.
Communication
I believe most problems from relationship is due to lack of communication. Unfortunately, people's feelings can get hurt or what you say could offend someone and now more than ever, communicating to people is so important. Whether you say you care for them, are there for them, etc. people need that reassurance. If there is a problem or someone has wronged you, going straight to the person instead of venting to others is the way to go. Otherwise, people feed off of that and it stirs up even more than the initial problem. I was taught never to speak ill of the person you love to others.
Loyalty
I have learned this over and over. If they treat you like an ordinary person, stop it. YOU are worth everything and deserve to be treated that way. Never justify their actions or think something was your own fault (I still have problems with this). Love yourself first because that is all that matters. Don't allow others to walk all over you and use you to their advantage. Have enough self respect to walk away and start fresh because you're wasting happy days in that place you are now. I wish someone had told me this earlier but I'm thankful for the path its let me walk down and learn from.
Friendship
It could just be me, but I love laughing and having a good time. I noticed when I surround myself with happy people, it makes me a happier and better person. Constantly having someone there to talk to with the hard times, but also cracking a joke is everything. I know I love doing fun things and creating memories with people who are willing to get out and have fun and getting all that while being with someone you're giddy about? Could it get any better?
There are many more attributes, but I know those are the ones I am thankful that I had the opportunity to learn. I would not give up any of the experiences I had dating for anything because each one taught me so much. I am so thankful that it has made me who I am and that I can look back and move forward in the direction I need to go. I know that the little girl who loves love is not disappointed by all the heartbreak, but motivated and excited that one day I can find that.
