Let’s just set the scene here:

You’re laying in the bed scrolling (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, basically anywhere on the Internet) and there it is. One of the very common pictures of a couple doing something cute or adventurous or something else with the caption “goals” above it.

Now if you’re like most of our generation, you probably look at these pictures and feel immediate jealousy. You may wish you had a relationship like the one in the pictures. You may even share or Retweet them and there’s no problem with that. But here's where I’m different because I do not want my relationship to be “goals”. I want it to be more.

I don’t just want “cute” text messages. I want kinds words with actions to match. Words do not mean a thing if the actions do not follow.

I don’t want a vase full of roses that are given just for show. I want a wildflower found on the side of the road that made him think of me.

I don’t want a fancy date at a top notch restaurant where I feel out of place with a Snapchat story put up for proof of the night. I want to be content with eating pizza on the couch together, where we can laugh as loud as we want.

I don’t want a relationship based solely on physical attraction. I want a relationship where our connection is so strong that it will not fade when the wrinkles appear and the looks fade.

I don’t want a relationship where I am constantly nagging for him to show me off on social media. I want to feel secure enough in what we have that I do not need these things for reassurance.

I don’t just want pictures that make it appear as if our relationship has never had a struggle. I want us to last through the times where we are at our worst, the times when life is hard, and the times when we are struggling to make it but have each other through it all.

I don’t want him to spoil me with jewelry and expensive gifts. I want to be spoiled by the experiences and memories we create.

I don't just want him to treat me like a princess. I want to treat him like a prince.

I don’t want him to only recognize the work I put into my appearance more beautiful. I want him to recognize the work I put in to make my heart more beautiful.

I don’t just want surprise gifts. I want consistent love.

I don’t want to pitch a fit when I don’t get my way so he will automatically give in to me. I want to talk things out like mature adults and make the best decision for us both.

I don’t want to be the psychotic girlfriend with my boyfriend obeying my every command. I want us to both have our freedom while fully respecting our relationship.

I don’t want the type of relationship where he just holds me when I’m happy and my life is perfect. I want the type of relationship where he holds me while I’m crying when it seems like nothing is going right.

Of course, most of the "relationship goals" that are so coveted today are nice. They really are. However, I’d rather have more. To be honest, who’s to say you can’t have some of the best of both worlds? Personally, I just don’t want my next relationship to be based on showing off and appearance. I want it to be centered around love and nothing more.