They say love hides behind every corner... so, I must be running in circles.

Over the course of the past year, I have remained (what seems like) dedicatedly single. Everything about me has changed, and yet I am more me than I have ever been.

Therefore, I have stopped looking for love. It knows where to find me if I'm needed.

I've learned that I will eventually fall in love with someone who doesn't make me think love is hard. And as Cindy Cherie has said, I've learned that one of my greatest fears is that I will die without finding a single soul who knows what to do with all this fire behind my eyes.

So... here goes it.

Understand that I won’t ask much of you,

and you had better believe me when I tell you that.

Understand that all I want is to be treated right,

I don’t want to be taken advantage, used, or told to sit tight.

This is a big deal to me

because opening up to someone new is hard.

I like you just enough

to not freak you out.

Understand that I want to be more

than a swipe right or a DM on social media.

I don't need roses and fancy things,

just get off your phone and pay attention to me.

I will get cranky,

especially when I’m hungry and that I expect you to make sure I am well fed…

I will have weird,

but cute pet names for you because yeah, I’m that girl.

Understand that I am no quitter;

I won’t just give up on you.

Keep in mind that me not giving up on you

will never result in me begging for you.

Understand that I want you to chase me in the beginning,

and that I want you to continue chasing me even when we’re together.

I will hope, but never expect,

and I will look forward to, but never wait around.

I never imagined putting myself in a place to get hurt again,

but for some reason, you kind of make me want to risk it all.

I’m not asking for a marriage commitment on the first date,

but that I’m not the type of girl that you can just “hit it and quit it”.

Understand that if you want me in your life, you will put me there.

I shouldn’t have to compete for my spot.

I promise that if I say I’m all in,

I’m genuinely all in.