I spent several days thinking of the best way to begin this post, knowing how I wanted to impact readers, but not sure how to get there. I decided honesty was the best policy, so here goes:
The fact of the matter is, many guys and girls go to college expecting to meet their one true love and live happily ever after. Some have innocent intentions. Others look for "bae" to use them as a boost in social status. This approach leads to casualties in the battle of the heart. In an effort to help my peers in search for their better halves, I have compiled a list of what true love actually looks like. (Hint: It has nothing to do with physical appearance or interaction.)
They will love you for who you are, instead of judging you for who you are not.
They will push you to be the best you can be, instead of asking you to be someone else.
They will challenge you every day of your life, instead of allowing you to be satisfied and complacent with the fallen nature of the world.
They will show you off as a blessing, instead of a belonging.
They actively choose to love you every day, instead of just saying three words every so often.
They will become part of your family, instead of isolating the new one you begin together.
They will understand your humanity and share in your struggling, instead of looking down on you for displaying "signs of weakness" like crying or needing help.
They will make you work to be a part of their life, instead of selling themselves short of their own value.
They will both confront you when you mess up as well as edify you for righteous living, instead of seeing and expecting a façade of perfection.
They will always support you, instead of walking out when (not if) disagreement occurs.
They will pray alongside you, instead of only in solitude.
Don't settle, my friends. You are worth more than you could imagine, and you don't deserve to be treated otherwise. Mutual respect is key; make sure you are being the best you that you can be, and that you expect the same from your current or future significant other.
