I have grown from being a seriously sappy and overly romantic junkie in my younger years to a young woman who cringes at all those being sappy and overly romantic.
Maybe it came in between a couple of very serious relationships that, at the time, meant the world was ending as they did-- or possibly it's just what happens when you grow up.
In any case, let's be frank- If you know me well {or even at all} you know that I tend to be quite, as some may say, vivacious. I have had my fair share of dates, conquests, what have you. Now, believe me reader, when I tell you I was raised straight and narrow 'right.' This does not mean that I don't know the glitter effect of dating and haven't enjoyed being a woman. With the various situations I have inevitably giggled and batted my eyelashes into, I have become somewhat of a cold heart when it comes to romantics. The giggling ceases when I start to get a headache and batting my eyelashes always ends in my unattractive search on the floor for a contact.
That's why, on this Valentines Day, I have never been so happy to NOT have to say the words, 'I love you' and even better, not feel the need to hear them back.
Oh, no! But, Alisha, you have a boyfriend!
Reader, it's better than that.
I have an equal.
A meeting or two after the initial where I was instantly repulsed by his overt arrogance, smug smile, and apparent knowledge of how gorgeous he is, I found myself laughing. Not giggling, not being embarrassingly flirtatious, but actually laughing in between being sincerely shocked at someone who could throw my glitter and snarky comments right back in my face.
I wish you cared enough to read all of the ways I know I don't have to say those {cringe} 'three little words' to my boyfriend or hear them whispered back softly in my ear, but because you don't have time and because I am, at heart, a Southern Baptist- I will break it down into three main points. {For those of you unaware, it's not a Baptist sermon without your points- mostly consisting of three to six. Points can and should be dropped depending on how close you are cutting it to the lunch hour.}
1) He let a strange girl with an apartment's worth of stuff and a constantly shedding dog stay with him for one month...that turned to three.
Actions truly speak louder than words. This point could and would take more space than a blog allows.
2) He makes me want to be better, care more, listen harder.
I have always tried to treat whoever I am with lovingly at all times- It's how I was raised. The difference now is that more times than not I consciously and naturally think of ways to make his day better, easier, etc. Now, I'm not putting myself on a pedestal saying how great and mighty I am- but instead that I am excited that I have found someone who I ENJOY helping, taking care of, and actually respect enough to truly listen to and trust. I sincerely have a WANT to show him how I feel since he is an expert at showing me.
3) I already know.
At one point during this past Christmas Break, we found ourselves sitting near a fireplace at the tiny upstairs coffee shop in my parent's town. He will probably not appreciate what I am about to share {sorry, but not}, yet I can't help but want you to know how 'wholey' I am cared for. Being told so seriously and with such frank honesty that I am cared for as one would a little girl in my sillier or needier moments, cared for as a girlfriend when sharing a slushie and movies, cared for as a woman who he could share a future with in serious and simple life moments, and of course cared for in a way a man cares for a woman as ridiculously attractive as myself {kidding! I had to lighten up the moment} was something that I had never. ever. been told before. It meant more to me than I can express.
I have found a man, so you boys need to take notes.
Happy Valentines Day, Reader.
{Michael, I know you still haven't gotten me anything. Get on that.}
