**IT IS WHAT IT AIN'T**

I've been an active player of the dating game for far too long. You'd think I'd be a pro by now and ready to graduate, but it is what it ain't. Each year, I learn something new about myself, the fishes in the sea and what I'm looking for in an eternal companion. I think it's best I try to focus on these three areas and how they relate to me.

Myself ~ My standards are entirely too high and I give ridiculous exams in the first few months. These would be a couple of reasons why I'm still single. You're probably laughing (and that's OK) but I'm totally serious. haha. Let me break it down a little...

1) My standards are entirely too high -

I've actually relaxed my standards a bit but there are just some things I won't let up on. These include but are not limited to dating members (LDS), someone with a current temple recommend and someone who is clean cut. I don't have anything against guys of other faiths, but I know that long term, I'm looking for an individual who shares my values and views which are guided by my faith in God and in the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There's not a shortage of LDS boys, but finding someone I don't look at as a "brother" seems tough (at least here in the state of Texas). All the other guys I've met just haven't passed the "other" requirements. 

A current temple recommend is important because I know where I want to get married and that isn't anything that's up for discussion. My experience in this area has been 50-50. Some guys have no issues and others, well...they're lowkey annoying and living that double life. More power to them....NEXT! lol.

Let's see, this certainly isn't the last thing on my list, but it's at the top of my list...I prefer guys who are clean cut. None of that scruff and crust. I'm not saying that guys need to look like nerds or keep their missionary appearance, but they should be proud of who they are and maintain their appearances. Everyone should be dressed for an interview at all times. First impressions are hard to forget and if you're on the market and out to fish, well...you better look good before stepping out on the dock if you expect to catch this gal.

2) I give ridiculous exams -

If anyone knows me, they know I'm pretty cut-throat. Therefore, this really shouldn't be a shocker, but I like to test guys up front and early on. This shows me how well an individual takes tests, works under pressure and how susceptible they are to enduring to the end. If someone wants something bad enough, they'll go to any lengths to obtain that something. Plus...I've witnessed firsthand how a person's true colors don't show up until after they're married and I like to show my cards up front so that a guy doesn't act surprised later. I'm the real deal...take it or leave it! (they obviously leavin' it...lol)

Fishes in the sea ~ When I was a senior in college, I wrote a thesis statement based on the following statement: all problems occur due to lack of communication. I've met a lot of different guys over the years, but one thing that has been consistent is their lack of communication. It really is amazing trying to figure out their thought process. There's the guy who overly communicates. More of the stalkerish type that clings real fast and doesn't let you breathe. Then there's the guy who only reaches out when it's convenient and his schedule permits. Then there's the guy known as the responder; doesn't know how to pick up the phone and only responds to your text messages. Am I really asking too much for a guy who isn't too clingy but knows how to stay in touch?

I could be really bitter and touch base on how mistreated I've been over the last 5 years by the men who have tiptoed through my life, but as bad as it was, I can't help but be grateful for each of them. They taught me a lot and those lessons keep me grounded and humbled. Through all of the chaos (it's been a crazy journey), I'm still confident that the Lord is mindful of me and that Mr. Fishy is out there somewhere still working on himself before he comes looking for me. Only time will tell...

Future Eternal Companion ~ Let's see if I can tie the last two areas together here.

I'm not looking for Mr. Complete, but I am looking for Mr. Me. A wise cousin of mine gave me a pep talk about finding an educated man. Her arguement was that I needed to find someone who was on the same intellectual level as myself. I've been battling back and forth with this because I know school isn't for everyone, but realistically, I know my mind is always working overtime and only an educated man will be able to keep up with my madness.

I've already touched base on religion, appearance and communication, but let me also add family oriented to the list. This is a key requirement! I come from a variety of bloodlines who value family relationships and birthrights. Anyone I'm going to add to the equation needs to understand that and learn where my place is in the family. I'm not at the top of the pyramid and although at times it seems like I'm the rags of the family, I'm not quite that low either.

I hope that whoever wants me as their wife will know that I will respect his parents, siblings (especially sisters) and extended family, but that I will also expect the same in return. I don't have a perfect family, but I have a complete family and just as I've expected my siblings to find respectable individuals to add to our family, I want to find a gentleman who values family just as much and who will be a great asset to my equation.

I'm not sure what the dating game will bring this new year, but I won't hold my breath because I know it is what it ain't. So dating gods, please be kind to me! haha.

That's all folks...