Sometimes when a young girl is innocent and carefree, she dreams of that perfect boyfriend or sometimes dreams of her perfect forever partner. Her expectations are simple, but valid; kind, caring, and sweet are the common qualities that she sees in her perfect man.

As a girl grows older, she knows more, gradually learning life’s lessons of what’s important and what’s not. She understands that a man is adventurous, open-minded, daring, willing to take risks for himself and for her, but most importantly for others.

The compassion he shows for those around him is deep, but gentle. His generosity is engraved on his heart because of the time he spends with the world around him. His humble stature seems to lure others attention towards him. He doesn’t notice, for his gaze is on his girl.

When the time comes, a girl sees how much being independent means to her man. His voice will be heard when he stands up for what he believes in. His determination will tame temptation and send it back to where it came. He will be responsible for his duties as his own person and will strive to succeed with confidence. He will be cultured in areas of humanity and lost worlds that have yet to be discovered. As you grow, he will grow with you.

But there is a point in a girl’s life where she feels uneasy. From her dreams emerges the space and time of reality. Not only does she see what she wants in a man, she understands what he really is.

Flawed. Imperfection is what makes their love worthwhile. A girl sees him make uneasy choices and spit-bashing words. His mind will drift into the abyss when she speaks of time he spends with her and will not return until she snaps his gaze in two.

His actions will hurt her, will pierce her in a way that seeks utter forgiveness. His voice will rise. He will belittle the smallest irritation until he storms out of the room, leaving the light of his life behind.

A girl will be sad and will shed a tear, but she patiently waits. For what she sees in a man is a human being. A human who is imperfect, but tries to change. A human being who makes mistakes, but takes action to mend what he broke. A girl realizes that what she sees in a man, she sees in herself.

She realizes that everything she is and all that her man is made of calls for unity, connection. That is one beauty of love.

This Valentine’s Day and every day, gaze into your partner’s eyes and see what he or she has to offer. Seek deep down within because their faithful love is there waiting for you. Reminisce on the younger days when the both of you met. Do not hesitate to tell them what you see in them. Be honest and truthful, but do it out of love because that is the last result. If you haven’t found your other half, do not fret. Do not be sad because he or she is still figuring out who he or she is. Once they do, they will patiently wait for you to arrive and find what you see in them.