Day 0012:

   A lot has happened since I last wrote. I started and ended a relationship, and started a second one. I dated around here and there as well. I am currently reading a book called Better Single Than Sorry: A No-Regrets Guide to Loving Yourself and Never Settling By Jen Shefft. Jen won the 2003 Bachelor and starred in the 2004 Bachelorette. She's got a lot of experience under her belt. The relationship decisions I've made in the past 5 months were all based on what I thought was right and best for me. Reading this book has just helped me see that I really did make the right decision, and still am. The section that I just finished reading is called What You Want Versus What You Need and it talked largely about making a list of things you need and want in a future husband, and continuously states that if you have most of your wants and all of your needs met, then you're doing great.
   I was thinking about my needs and wants and trying to make sure that my current boyfriend isn't directly influencing it. If he influences it, it's because he meets my "criteria" of sorts. Not because I'm changing to satisfy him. For demonstration purposes, here is my rough draft...

NEEDS:
*Must be an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
*Has to be able to keep up with my conversation and "smart humor"
*Respectful, loyal, and trustworthy
*Needs to love me, and love being around me, but not in a suffocating manner
*Must love cuddling and kissing

WANTS:
*Good looking
*Nice job established
*Passionate about what he wants
*Own a car
*He should want a family...or at least a pet
*Taller than me and muscular
*Dresses well
*Older than me

   Keep in mind, this is just a rough draft. It's not finished yet. In fact, I don't think it will ever be finished. But I do think that it's a pretty good start. The man I'm dating now fills all those needs and most of my wants. Will this relationship last, or turn into something more than it already is? I have no idea. If it does, awesome. If not, I'll be ok. As long as we're both happy and on the same page with the important stuff, we'll be dating. The best part of this whole thing? It's no one's business who I date and for how long. As long as I'm happy, that's all that matters.
   Now for the question of the day: What is on your personal wants and needs list? You don't have to divulge your whole list for everyone in the world to see, but what are some vital things that your partner must have? Are you still looking for that person? Are you married to that person? What are some wants that may seem silly, but you still hope for? Let's see where this conversation takes us...