A lot of my women dream of finding their happy ending with their very own Prince Charming, but I’d much rather be in a grounded, solid relationship that’s meant to last than some over-the-top affair that will probably end in a breakup.
1. LOVE STORIES ARE CHEESY ANYWAY.
Everything about love and romance makes me cringe. I can’t help it! People holding hands, kissing in public, doing that weird baby talk thing to each other… It’s just so fake to me! I get that PDA and all that mushy stuff is a crucial part of any good relationship, but I don’t want my relationship to revolve around that. It’s just too cheesy for me to handle and doesn’t feel authentic.
2. RELATIONSHIPS AREN’T MEANT TO BE PERFECT.
If I’ve learned anything from my elders, it’s that relationships are messy. They’re not a cut and dry kinda thing where if you’re in love, you’re fine for the rest of your life. Things change, problems come up, and I think that it’s more important to be with someone who can roll with those punches than to live in a fairytale where everything is “perfect” all the time.
3. I’M BORED BY SELF-PROCLAIMED PRINCE CHARMINGS.
I remember when I watched Disney movies as a kid, I was always bored by the mannequin-like princes who seemed to be doing jack-all most of the time. They all looked the same, acted the same, and barely lifted a finger except for when they kissed the princess in the end. I don’t want the perfect guy, I want someone real, someone I can relate to on a grounded level.
4. I WANT AN EQUAL PARTNER, A CO-CONSPIRATOR.
If I’m being honest, I’d rather have a relationship with a friend than a lover. At least I know that if they fall out of love with me, the friendship will keep us together somewhat. You have to be able to get along at least on a friend level before committing to a lifetime together, right?
5. I DON’T CARE IF MY RELATIONSHIP IS INSTAGRAM-READY.
I’ve never cared about the way my partner and I look to the outside world. I just want our connection to be real and solid. People seem to love to post on Facebook how much they love their partner or how lucky they are to be with them or what have you, but I would NEVER do stuff like that. I have no desire to brag to the world how much I’m in love with someone because for me, the proof is in the pudding. You can go off as much as you’d like about how you love each other, but only time will tell whether you truly do.
6. WHAT ABOUT WHEN THE SH*T INEVITABLY HITS THE FAN?
What I’ve learned in my ripe old age of 28 is that life will happen to you, meaning difficult things will crop up whether you like it or not and it’ll be up to you to handle it. I go into relationships expecting bad things to happen because that’s just the way life works. I don’t want a love story because, well, that’s just deranged thinking. The relationship will probably suck sometimes, but if we’re willing to work for it, we can make it… probably.
7. I’M NOT A LOVEY-DOVEY PERSON.
I’m not really one for romantic gestures. I actually get mad if my partner gives me flowers because to me, it’s a waste. All that matters to me is their commitment and honesty, and no amount of bouquets can make me forget that.
8. I WANT AN HONEST PARTNER, NOT SOMEONE WHO CAN WOO ME.
The fact that a guy had to figure out how to “win me over” is actually a red flag. It means that he’ll probably be pretty good at getting what he wants down the line, not to mention he’s also probably really good at lying. The whole wooing thing doesn’t impress me much. If a guy wants to impress me, he just needs to be real.
9. I KNOW THAT ARGUMENTS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN.
When I think of a picture-perfect love story, I don’t see any arguments happening. In the real world, however, they do eventually happen and we WILL survive them. I’m not about to choreograph my own love story by tip-toeing around arguments like I know so many people do.
10. I WANT SOMEONE WHO WILL LOVE ME EVEN WHEN THINGS AREN’T GREAT.
I’d rather have a guy who can brave the storm, stand by me when times are tough, and will never leave me. Save the love story for the books.