Matters of the heart

We realize we didn't do anything "special" on Valentine's Day so to somehow compensate (a month after!), let me share some realizations/advice I gained from all the boys who've come and go. (haha, hope there's no tinge of bitterness there):

1. Good looks does not equate to compatibility. Someone may be good looking but he can also be the most boring person on earth. Look beyond the physical. You are bound to be with that guy possibly for the rest of your life, so find someone you enjoy talking to. (But you should also find someone you won't have trouble LOOKING at okay?)

2. Find someone you can be friends with. Lovers should start as friends. Find a boy that you enjoy being with regardless of whether there's anything romantic between the two of you.

3. Don't hurry love. Don't rush into it. Don't force yourself to feel something you don't. Love is a process, it is a journey. Take your time getting to know someone. If his intentions are real, he will wait for you no matter how long it takes.
4. Don't get caught up in the idea of love. Take judgment from what he is offering you; not what he can offer. Don't be caught up in your fantasies that you fail to see the red light.

5. Give everyone a shot. Don't close your door on anyone too soon without even getting to know the person. Even if you two don't end up being romantically linked, it'd still be worth the effort knowing you gained a friend.

6. Don't over think it. Don't be paranoid or crazy. Just go with the flow. Love should be enjoyed! If it starts to feel otherwise, then it might not be the right kind of love.

7. Never second guess yourself. If you find yourself getting wary, anxious or just plain bothered by him, detach yourself a bit. If he truly wants you, he would make you feel loved EVERY single second.

8. Remember that someone who is worth crying for won't make you cry. If someone breaks your heart, don't dwell on what-could-have-beens. He is not worth it anyway. There are a lot of reasons: maybe you're just not meant for each other; maybe he doesn't love you like you do; maybe this isn't the right time for you both; or maybe you just deserve someone better.

9. Be transparent. Don't be afraid to involve your parents, your friends, your colleagues and everyone else in the relationship. Believe me, you NEED their advice. Don't sugarcoat anything, let them judge for themselves, because really, why do you have to hide anything from anyone? Love is not a crime! Besides, there are things you fail to realize that they can point to you. You need them.

10. If it doesn't work out, remember, it's not the end of the world. As my current favorite quote goes: Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. Much like the lessons I've learned from the men who've come and go, I feel more experienced now when it comes to love. Be thankful. Don't just get over the pain, move forward.

I hope this list help you in finding the man of your dreams! For those who aren't so fortunate and is heartbroken as of the moment (ehem, ehem) let me leave you with one last thought: "Every wrong guy you meet takes you closer to the right one."

Happy post-Valentine's girls! Cheers to Love!