8 Things To Never Settle for in a Relationship

1) Someone who doesn't give you butterflies

While this may sound very elementary, I am being 100% serious. Butterflies are one of the greatest rushes that one can experience --- it may be even more of a rush than the Tower of Terror (but really though...). Getting that rush from the pit of your stomach the whole way to your heart which is beating so quickly that you don't even have time to catch your breath.... It's a wonderful feeling, that I believe, should never go away. I've experienced butterflies a few times in my life, and I know that I want to experience that rush, that sensation, that intense fluttering motion every time I look at my man. 

2) The "Oh he's rich..." "Oh he proposed so I guess I'll get married now..." "Oh he's handsome..." Guy 

DATE! I am such a firm believer in dating, because if one does not date, how does one know what they want and what they don't want in a partner? So for the past few years, I've gone on many dates. I have even been in relationships that span out maybe three months. One thing that I have come to realize by dating is that I know what I want in a man. I know the qualities, characteristics, and morals that I am searching for in a soulmate. Knowing these three items, I don't plan on being in a relationship with anyone who lacks those characteristics, qualities, and morals. If you know what you want in a relationship then you will not settle for some Joe, Bill, or Bob. 

3) Someone that you cannot see yourself growing old with 

A wise man once told me do not date someone who you cannot see yourself marrying. I did not quite understand that until this year. After taking time to get to know myself and get (most) of my selfish adventures out of the way, I have realized something. He's right. While I am a big supporter of dating, being in a serious relationship is different. You don't want to grow old with a Joe, Bill, or Bob.  You want to grow old with someone who makes you feel special, beautiful, spontaneous, loved, and cherished. Someone to sit on a porch swing with when you're 80 looking at the grandchildren playing soccer in the backyard. If you cannot picture yourself doing this with your significant other than they may not be that significant. 

4) Someone that doesn't bring out the best in you

My mom says she knows when I actually like someone or if I am forcing to make something work, because I am missing my spark. My laughter, my smile, and my happiness is forced. You know what? She's always right too. I want someone who I can laugh obnoxiously with and share my smile and passions and joys with. Why would you want to be with someone who doesn't bring out your passions, joys, laughter, and smile? 

5) Someone that doesn't support your life goals and inspirations 

You want to see the world? You want to go back to college? You want to be a stay-at-home mom and take care of your 5 children? That's great! So do that! ...and have your other half stand beside you, not in front of or behind you, during that process supporting you every step of the way. That's what it's all about. Support, acceptance, and compromise. 

6) Someone that doesn't like your friends

Who knows you better than your friends? Besides your Mom, I doubt really anyone does. A huge red alert should be if your significant other does not like your friends or doesn't want to be around your friends. Going out for drinks, catching a movie, grabbing dinner are all social interactions that should be happening every once in a while. If your girlfriend or boyfriend is constantly avoiding them, I would be a little bit concerned. 

7) Someone who doesn't respect you

Too many times I have watched both men and women get into relationships and not respect their partner whether that be with their job, education, or morals. I had an (ex) boyfriend tell me that my career is a joke. (I'm a high school English teacher). "I am simply a glorified babysitter." Guess where he's at now --- not in my life. Not having respect for your partner is like grocery shopping at The Gap or driving a car without gasoline. It just doesn't work out too well. 

8) Someone who does not love you unconditionally 

When I think about unconditionally love, I think of my parents or my best friend. They have always shown me unconditional love right from the beginning no matter. They don't think about it; it just happens. It's free; it's flowing; it's natural. It is not forced; it is not questioned; it's just unconditional love. 

Do not settle for anything less than beautiful, unconditional love. 

What All My "Skips" Have Taught Me

Recently I had decided I was going to be the next Carrie Bradshaw. My life would be less stressful and more carefree...and lavish. Definitely lavish. Basically I had become so fed up with dating men, boys, losers, jerks, self-centered, and egotistical men, that I thought about giving up on the male population. I mean what woman hasn't given this a thought a few times in her 20s? Am I right??

But after going through my head about relationships that I was just never quite satisfied with or those dates that were just down right busts, I began to realize something. I spend countless hours talking shit on all these men and bashing everything they did incorrectly in our relationship and time together that I forgot about all the positives that did come from our time spent together -- whether that was a few dates or a few years.

So as one of my best friends would say -- I've had many "Skips" in my life. (Yes, that is a John Tucker Must Die reference if you were wondering.) Why bother getting to know their names if they would just be gone in a few days...or months! I have compiled a list of life lessons and experiences that I would not change for this world. Each one that has come into my world has taught me something special and almost magical about life.

Skip #1: Teenage love is one of a kind. It loves with a fierceness and tenderness that I will experience once again. So yes, love is real and does exist.

Skip #2: Not all star athletes are great kissers...or even great at conversation. Dating boys who read books is always a better decision.

Skip #3: God is always there for you and will always be there for you. No matter what...and yes, I need reminded of this way too often.

Skip #4: Music can cure any mood and can change you. It's funny to think how much music can impact your life.

Skip #5: Family comes first and is the most important piece in life. Never forget that.

Skip #6: There is nothing more romantic than sitting in the back of a truck with a bunch of blankets watching the sun go down. Country boys know how to do it.

Skip #7: Fall in love with your best friend. Even if it's just for a day -- or two years. You won't regret it.

Skip #8: Don't ever give up on people --- no matter what.

I encourage you to write one of these lists about all the men (and women) that have walked in and then out of your life. Don't spend endless hours, like I did, thinking negatively about them when each one of them did bring something into your life that made your heart skip a beat, made you turn a shade of pink, or made you smile from the minute you woke up until you closed your eyes that night. Being bitter doesn't solve anything -- it just makes it impossible for you to see what could be in front of you right now.

First 100 Thoughts of a Waitress

1) Alright, tonight's gonna be a good night!
2) I'm going to make enough to make a car payment.
3) ...and buy a six-pack!
4) I should grab some fries, so I don't get hungry later.
5) Are the hostess's even going to seat me tonight?
6) Oh wait, they already did when I was eating my fries.
7) Wait, seriously this is my section? Whatever.
8) Ugh, they're young kids.
9) They aren't going to tip me. Assholes.
10) "Hi guys!! How are you! What can I get you to drink this evening?" ...god I'm so good at being fake nice.
11) Fuck you, really? Waters? You just want water?
12) "Okay sounds great, I'll be right back with your waters!" (Smiles a lot)
13) (Back in kitchen) Of course these kids only want water. I hate cheap people.
14) I'm not going to make any money tonight.
15) I'm getting them non-filtered water. Zero fucks given.
16) Okay, did I really just get double sat?
17) "Here are your waters, I'll be back to take your orders in a sec!"
18) Oh you're ready to order now? Sure let me drop everything just for you guys since you're the only ones in the restaurant.
19) Fuck you and your waters.
20) Oh a salad for you? What do you weigh, 40 lbs wet?
21) You want FF ranch? You're getting the fattest ranch I have
22) "Sounds great guys! I'll put that right in for you!" Walks away smiling.
23) I'll put it in the computer when I get a chance. 
24) God I hate teenagers.
25) Of course my second table would be old people.
26) I hate old people almost as much as I hate teenagers.
27) "Hi folks. So nice to see you coming out this evening! What can I grab you to drink?" (Smiles and speaks loudly)
28) A Coors Light? Damn Grandpa!
29) Sweet!
30) These are my type of old people.
31) Fuck teenagers.
32) "Okay, I'll be right back with your beers! Let me know if you need anything!"
33) Damn is the bartender looking good tonight.
34) Shit, I need to ring in those orders.
35) What did they have again?
36) Oh yeah, that skinny bitch wanted salad.
37) Ugh why are they playing Summertime Sadness right now? 
38) I wonder what is going on later tonight after work?
39) "Hey guys, are we going out tonight?"  -- 3 minutes talk with other severs.
40) Oops, I need to give those people their beers now.
41) I'll just blame the wait on the bartender.
42) His ass looks good in those pants. 
43) I wonder where he got his pants at.
44) "Here are your beers! Sorry it took a few minutes. Our bartenders are a little busy tonight!" 
45) Yeah, they totally bought that lie. 
46) I wish I was drinking that beer.
47) What beer should I buy tonight?
48) Shit those orders need put in!
49) "Can I take your order now or do you need a few minutes?"
50) "Oh you need a few minutes?"
51) Good, I need to put bitch's salad in. 
52) Their waters are empty.
53) Great.
54) "It shouldn't be much longer for your meals guys. Here's some more water though!" (Smiles maybe too much)
55) This girl has really pretty hair. 
56) Why can't my hair be pretty right now?
57) That's right, I work in a restaurant and it needs to be up.
58) I hate rules.
59) Ugh there's the manager.
60) I should go run a meal.
61) Eh, do I really wanna run food?
62) Nah, I think I'll pass. 
63) The new people need to learn table numbers.
64) Speaking of tables...
65) "Hi folks! Are we ready to order yet!"
66) Damn this check is gonna be high.
67) I hope I get 20%
68) I mean 18% would be fine too.
69) I'll put in their food right away.
70) I should go tell the kitchen to rush those teenagers food.
71) I kinda feel bad now.
72) What if skinny bitch is a waitress too and she would tip me well?!
73) "Hey guys! Table 41 needs their food rushed! 
74) "Yeah go to hell too! I just want my damn food!"
75) "Hey guys! I have your food here for you."
76) I wonder if she is going to be able to tell it's not fat free ranch?
77) "Here's your salad with FF ranch, and here are your wings!" 
78) God those wings look good.
79) I need wings.
80) ...and a beer.
81) MMMM, beer and wings.
82) I wonder what time we are going to get pulled tonight.
83) "Okay do you guys need anything else?"
84) ...of course you need more water.
85) I should get a water too.
86) I love water.
87) Is tonight over yet?
88) "Seriously guys what are we doing tonight? Beers, bars?"
89) I should grab that old guy another beer.
90) I bet he's gonna get it in tonight.
91) I really wanna make out with the bartender.
92) Damn that ass...
93) Teenagers are ready to pay already?
94) Please be at least 15%. 
95) 10%? Seriously?
96) Suck my dick bro.
97) I shouldn't have gotten them more waters.
98) I'm over tonight.
99) Forget a car payment...
100) I need money for the bar. 

Note from the Author:
If you are offended in any way by the article, you've never worked in a restaurant before. 
In no way is this affiliated with my place of employment. 

10 Reasons Men Have It Better Than Women

1) They don't have to get a period. Period. 
Ladies - we all know when that time of the month is coming around. We cry, we laugh, we get angry, we get happy, we cry again...all in a matter of seconds. Our pants don't fit. We can't find anything that will hide that 5 lbs of bloating we just gained overnight. We eat chocolate, peanut butter, chips, pretzels, icing, cookie batter, anything that we can get our hands on. Then we bleed for a solid 4-6 days while Satan prods at our uterus making it feel as if it will explode any minute. Guess what guys - you'll never experience this.

2) Men don't have to worry about not getting a period. 
There is nothing worse than the day coming and going and another day coming and going without getting "it". You sit worrying and fretting about this. It consumes your day. You drink extra water, so that you have a legitimate reason for going into the bathroom once again to check if it's there. You think about binge drinking...(you know just incase) and maybe tripping down that flight of stairs at work (you know...just incase). You think about how you are going to tell that guy you hooked up with last month that your pregnant with his kid. All this is going on in a girls head while the guys are still bragging about lasting for more than five minutes.

3) Men don't have to wear bras. 
Guys, imagine wearing a cup...like a really tight fitting cup that lifts your junk fairly high and constricts it from moving freely...all day. Now on top of your junk being in this cup, tight and constricted, you have women passing you all day checking it out. Gawking, staring, and drooling over your dick that is so uncomfortable that it's making you pissy. Kinda annoying? The answer is yes. This is what women go through on a daily basis. Bras suck. End of story.

4) Men don't have to worry about getting up hours before leaving the house to look presentable. 
Now don't get me wrong, I know a few guys who like a look good. They spend a decent amount of time getting ready in the mornings making sure they look like straight sex when they go out into the public's eye. However most men rush through a shower and then throw on a pair of jeans and t-shirt, and ta-da, they're ready to conquer the world while still looking good. Women, on the other hand, don't have this luxury. We have to shower - which includes shampoo and conditioner because who doesn't want soft looking hair, shaving our legs, our underarms, and anything else we may want to tidy up. We, then, have to blow-dry our hair, style it, and hairspray it, because we didn't just waste the first 20 minutes of our day for it not to look this way for the rest of the day. Then comes the make-up and how I personally dread this every morning. After all this is completed, we are not even fully finished yet. I mean, we didn't even pick out our clothes -- and this can take a while. Tired yet?

5) Men don't have to shave.
Going along with the #4 - guys, you really don't have to shave. There is nothing better than facial hair. Period. Do the female population  favor - just stop shaving for a week or so. Let that beard grow.

6) Men don't have to work out.
I've dated quite a few guys within the past 5 years and I don't think one of them had a six-pack, a nice set of arms, or some rockin' legs. To be quite honest, I didn't care. Call me cliche, but I like guys for their personality. Living with four guys in college, I was involved in quite a lot of guy talk. I understood that girls didn't have it so easy. I mean a good personality and sense of humor was a must for all of the guys, but "a nice, firm rack, tight ass, good legs, and curvy hips - but athletic curves only" was what they liked. Impossible to accomplish.

7) Men can wear sneakers with everything.
Guys - you're wearing a polo and cargo shorts? Jeans and a t-shirt? A cut off and athletic shorts? A button-down and khakis? You're wearing sneakers with all of those outfits? Must be nice.

8) Men don't have to go through childbirth. 
Now I don't have personal experience with this yet, but I am assuming it is as horrendous as it seems. Guys, you get to do the fun part and make the kid. Women have to carry around your kid inside of them for nine month...NINE MONTHS...and then push it out of them? I mean, really? I think I would rather spend a day in hell.

9) Men don't have to play hard to get. Ever. 
Women like to think that we are playing hard to get, but in reality we are down right awful at this game. We sit there on our phones and respond as soon as we get a text or if we are feeling really bad ass we will make them wait a whole five minutes to respond to "keep them waiting" even though it took them two hours to respond to your text. Men know what they're doing. They aren't dumb. They know the second they get us wrapped around their finger and they play the game well. Men don't have to worry about whether they have the girl, because we make it beyond obvious. Men, on the other hand, make it impossible for women to dissect anything they say.

10) Men can pee anywhere...while standing up. 
Recently while I was in Camden, I had to pee in a solo cup and while this wasn't my finest moment, I realized during this experience that I envied guys ability to pee wherever they wanted without a care in the world. I mean the guy behind me at a DMB show last weekend pissed right on the lawn in front of everyone like it was no big deal...and it wasn't a big deal. No one cared. However, if I would've peed in-between a car, everyone would have been asking about "the drunk girl who broke the seal too early." So once again men, you are lucky.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Tonight, as I was in the kitchen stuffing my face full of freshly made gluten-free cookies, I decided to take a walk down memory lane -- I wanted to go back to my senior year of high school. My little brother, who is a senior now, comes home with tons of stories for me which make me cringe even thinking about because I am the most over-protective, over-bearing big sister that one could ever have. (Sorry, Brent!) However, as I was listening to his stories from his extravaganzas from the previous weekend, I began to think about my senior year and what it felt like to be eighteen again. 

Pulling out my scrapbook from my senior year, I can admit that my heart sank a little bit. I knew before I opened that green scrapbook, I would be overwhelmed with the sensations, emotions, feelings, and thoughts that my teenage self experienced. They would all come back to me. Opening up to the first page, I experienced flashbacks from senior night sporting events and Friday night football games. I saw pictures from my prom and senior week. Then it hit me; I would never be able to relive these memories again with the people who were beside me in all these photographs. But that's okay -- because the memories that I have pouring out onto this blog will be buried inside of my for the rest of my life.

One of the first memories that I have about my senior year was the boys' soccer team senior night. My friends and I decided to be classy and show up in sports bras with our stomach painted. I was beyond obnoxious screaming my face off and cheering the boys on. You know, just showing my school spirit. However, it wasn't until I got called into the assistant principal's office the next day that I found out that "walking around in public without a shirt on, especially during sporting events, is very slutty." Yep, one of the best memories I have of my senior year was our assistant principal telling me that the girls and myself looks slutty cheering on our boys. It was the best, most awkward conversation I had ever had with an adult.

Then came cross country...the team had my heart and soul. I was so in love with the sport and my teammates. They were my backbone, and I would give anything to be able to put back on my old uniform and race just one more 5k with them. I can remember after school practices running around the schools and on back country roads with my teammates. During the practices it didn't matter who was the leader of the pack...it was just so nice running beside your teammates, hearing the rhythmic patterns of our feet grazing the ground, and the occasional chat with the person beside you. It was heaven on earth for me. Take me back....

The Steelers won their 6th ring my senior year, so that obviously had to make my scrapbook. That night I went over to my friend's house who, I swear, was watching me more than the game. He had never seen anyone get so worked up over a football game, especially a girl. When they won, I hollered so loud and cried that his dog even left the room. (Thank goodness he has an apartment now where I can get as loud and carried away as I want to when our football teams and UNC/Duke are on.) The next day, I wore my Hines Ward jersey around school while boasting about how awesome they were and how we have six rings while everyone else sucked. Yep, I was that person. Sadly, this hasn't changed too much. Oops! 

11 girls went out for my 18th birthday. I had the greatest group of girlfriends around and if most of them weren't married, mothers, or scattered out all over country, I am sure we would still be getting together monthly for girls nights. We thought we were so cool walking into the local gas station and buying cigarettes, cigars, and lottery tickets. I smoked my first cigar that night and felt like a total bad ass. Looking back at the pictures, I look like an idiot. You live and you learn.

Pages and pages consisting of collages built around friends and memories had me going back to the time of no stress, no anxiety, no real-life pressures, no car payments, no life insurance policies, no job searching, no resume building...it was great to place myself inside my old high school and be 18 again. To feel the rush of excitement when I would see my crush walking down the hall to me; to feel the jitters of competing against other schools during sports; the happiness of hugging your best friends in a picture together, and the heartwarming memory of being voted class friendliest :) 

As I flip through the pages of memories, looking at the nights of Dance off Pants Off, Donkey Basketball, Girl's nights, parties, and nights with my favorite boys, I can only begin to smile and think to myself what a wonderful year of my life I had lived. What a wonderful year full of friendship, smiles, heartbreaks, hook-ups, parties, laughter, traveling, sporting events, and most importantly love. 

Don't worry, Mom & Dad.

Feeling my sun-kissed skin brush up against new friends, my bare face smiling while talking away, and my long blonde hair dancing in the dry breeze. Hearing the birds chirping, people talking, and fire crackling in the cool evening. Seeing thousands of different strangers dancing alongside one another, bottles clicking against bottles, and feet bouncing off the dewy grass. This is what my summer is all about -- this is what I live for, what I spend all my hardworking money on, what I am passionate about...

Two blogs ago, I stated why I attend these DMB shows. I explained how I am a wanderer, an open-minded, soul-searching woman. I received great feedback from many who understand where I am coming from -- where my love of travel comes from, my love of a band comes from, my love of new friends comes from. However, it has come to my attention that I am not understood by my immediate family. They feel that my intense connection to the band will get in the way of finding a man to settle down with in the future. Putting myself into my parents shoes, I can see their side. When I have children of my own someday, whom will have the best taste in music may I add, I will want nothing but the best for them especially when it comes to finding their other half. Although, when they are searching for that other half, I would want them to be sure to not hide any parts of themselves. Focusing back onto my situation, my family is a little concerned that my "obsession" with the Dave Matthews Band and traveling will interfere with finding a man. 

I plan on arguing this statement tonight in this blog. I do not plan on hiding any part of myself when it comes to finding my other half. They will know everything about me -- the good and the bad. After reading, "Date a Girl Who Travels," I found this article to be extremely true and relatable which I will base several of my facts off of tonight, because there are many, many benefits of dating a wandering, a soul-searching, bare-foot, country lovin', passionate, outspoken "groupie." 

So Mom and Dad, do not worry. There is someone out there who will find all my traits very lovable...

My future soulmate will find that I am...

1) Not materialistic

If someone were to put a $100,000 Visa card in my hand for shopping purposes only or a ticket for a plane ride to Europe so I could backpack for a month, I would take that backpacking adventure over any money any day of the week. Give me experiences so I can grow as a person. Give me scenery, a landscape, Heaven on earth...don't give me money, a nice car, or a pair of Jimmy Choo high heels. The money will run out, the new car will become worn and break down, and the Jimmy Choo high heels...well sorry, but I don't wear heels. Give me an adventure and that would stick with me for a lifetime. Give me the memories, the experience, and the passion. 

2) Hardworking.

I worked 30+ hours a week during my 4.5 years of college. I never once attended a frat party, a mixer, or a college football game. I did, however, put myself through those 4.5 years of college and ended up only having $20,000 in loans versus $80,000. I served my butt off every weekend to make sure that when I was out of school, I didn't have to stress about an abundance of student loans coming in. Even now after graduation, I am a substitute for local school districts and a hostess at a local restaurant. I want to be able to fund my travels as well as pay all my necessary bills without having to ask for help from anyone. I love a security blanket; but most importantly, I love the feeling of working for what I have and what I want. 

3) Engaging. 

I love traveling and meeting new people. This summer I am staying in cabins, hotels, and condos with people who I did not even know existed until last winter. Befriending new people is what I do best and what makes me who I am as a person. I love engaging with new environments and searching for new sites and places to travel. Always being engaged has transformed me into an active person. 

4) Open-minded.

I love sharing my beliefs with others. I love hearing about other people's beliefs. I love religions; I love politics; I love educational philosophies; I love philosophy in general. I love discussing and learning about new ideas and concepts. Being close-minded is never an option for me. 

5) Independent.

I am not a needy person. I love "Tricia-Time." Those clingers or controlling men stand no chance up against my bold personality. I love doing things for myself. I find it be liberating that I can live for myself but still live for others as well. I know how to save money, but I also know how to spend it. I know how to live a good life and have the most amazing experiences. I know how to turn my dreams into reality. 

6) Spontaneous. 

Take me to a city. Take me to the country. Take me hiking. Take me fishing. Take me hunting (No, I won't shoot anything though). Take me across the ocean. Take me to a baseball game. Take me anywhere, because I will go. I enjoy new places, new foods, new drinks, new hobbies, new obsessions. I am open-minded and so willing to explore the world...or even a corn field in the middle of no where. 

Asking me why I live for traveling or live for seeing DMB would be like me asking you why you enjoy oxygen or why fish enjoy the sea. It keeps you alive, it keeps them alive. The same goes with me – traveling, wandering, engaging, and listening keeps me alive. That's what I hope to find one day in my other half. 

So don't worry Mom and Dad. I got this.

Why Valentine's Day is a Bunch of Bullshit

Before you start reading this post and thinking that I am just some bitter ex-girlfriend pissed off at the world because I don't have a date -- please think again. I just feel, with Valentine's Day right around the corner and everyone freaking out about what they are going to get, that I need to express something that I feel very strongly about -- this whole February 14th thing, it's nothing but a lie. 

You've probably been seeing a bunch of chocolate commercials trying to sell you the deepest, richest chocolate that you'll ever taste or the biggest, shiniest diamonds that your girlfriend just needs to have, or the online flower shops advertising a dozen roses for only $59.99. Well my goodness, sign me up for at least two dozen -- what a deal! Every company is currently advertising is banking on all you men...and yes, us ladies too, to go out and buy our significant other or maybe even your FWB, something special. 

I would be lying if I said I never went out to partake in this celebration of love and/or lust. I enjoy buying chocolates, cards, and even a few items that don't necessarily needed to be stated on a blog site. I even enjoy getting all dressed up, going out to dinner, and talking over my usual chicken salad and beer. Yum! 

I'm trying to think about where this all started at for me. When did I enjoy the 14th of February?

Thinking back to my childhood crushes, I think Valentine's Day first started for me in 8th grade. I had a boyfriend, whom I am still good friends with today. He came up to me and handed me a bunch of chocolates. We kissed awkwardly. At the time, I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was deathly allergic to chocolate. Instead, I thanked him, grinning and blushing, and walked away to show all my friends what MY boyfriend had gotten for me. 

Then came high school. I had the same boyfriend from my freshman year to my junior year and Valentine's Day with him were far from great. He, like other country boys I'm assuming, always forgot about Valentine's Day. He didn't get what the big deal was all about and why it meant so much to be taken out on that specific day. "But it's Valentine's Day!" He still argued with me that he shows his love and spends an abundance of money on me any other day, so that one day out of the year isn't anything extra special.

Then came my freshman and sophomore year college boyfriend. He liked to shower me with gifts and I didn't mind. First came my Pandora bracelet along with a few other minor gifts that satisfied my Valentine's Day wants. 

After that I had a few crushes and relationships in which I didn't quite care as much about the entire holiday as spending quality time with them. I began thinking back to what my high school boyfriend had been trying to drive into my stubborn, immature head. "Why should I shower you with my love, affection, and gifts today? I do any other day." This really got me thinking deeper and deeper.

Valentine's Day is a corporate holiday. Flower shops, jewelry stores, Hallmark, cell phone companies, restaurants, movie theaters, and even Target are making bank. They are raking in so much money the week before this holiday...it is unreal. They are brainwashing everyone into thinking that on this one day everyone in the nation...in the entire world...should be showing their love and affection to their significant other. 

But I call bullshit. Why? Because I want to go back to my high school boyfriend. I want to date and be with a man that has that concept in his head. Why not be showing our constant love and affection everyday of the year? Why must we be only really emphasize it on February 14th? Why not March 26th, May 21st, or August 19th? Why not share your love all year long? Why not surprise your best friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, FWB, or crush with a flowers or a simple card on April 3rd? Why not wine and dine them on September 1st? Why not surprise them with tickets to your favorite show on June 23rd? Why not, ladies and gentleman?

As I conclude this, I must say that I was trapped in the holiday spirit and bought 3 cards in which I sent out to three beautiful ladies that deserve to be sent kind words...that they will get before Valentine's Day (if the mail service does their job correctly). In saying that, I hope to all the in love couples that you find yourself a man that will not only share their love and affection with you on Friday, but I hope they will continue that and spend the rest of the year showing you how much you truly mean to them. We accept the love we think we deserve. Never forget that.

Xo.