What's In A Mate? (Version 3)

Today's post is from another friend/co-worker (I just LOVE her list!):

TAMMY
42 years old
Married for 18 years
Mother of 2 teenagers (1 boy and 1 girl)

You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince charming!

First Kiss

He has to be funny, laughter makes even the worst day better!

Second Kiss

He needs to have a hard body, well at least he has to be athletic and a willingness to keep working out, throughout his lifetime

Third Kiss

He has to have a sense of adventure in all he does, willing to take some risks, have fun and enjoy the rush

Fourth Kiss

By now he should be able to make me feel like his favorite!

Fifth Kiss

He should be able to have deep and shallow discussions all in the same conversation

Sixth Kiss

He has to be able to manage his money, save the appropriate amount, spend the appropriate amount, and definitely act his wage!

Seventh Kiss

He has to be willing to travel and experience different cultures with a flexible and calm attitude

Eighth Kiss

Being emotionally intelligent is huge, understanding why he does what he does and acting appropriately through his anger, frustrations, happiness and every range of emotion!

Ninth Kiss

He has to be able to be completely vulnerable without hesitation

Tenth Kiss

He has to be willing to take the time I need when we are intimate, being one is critical for a long lasting relationship. Keeping the lust & passion for years to come!

Eleventh Kiss

He has to be willing to grow…growing spiritually, growing professionally and growing in how he leads his family!

Twelfth Kiss

He has to be an engaged Dad, willing to be involved, spend quality time with his kids individually and mentor them how they need to be instructed. He needs to know his kids as well as I do!

Thirteenth Kiss

He has to be able to stand the rain, relationships can get pretty stormy and I want to know he is going to be there when I am crazy, hurt, tired, annoyed, irritated, frustrated, whiny, crying and in pain. I want to know he is committed to hold the umbrella, bring the rain coat or just hold me through it.

Fourteenth Kiss

He has to be willing to keep up with me, willing to jump in and help me with everything like laundry, yard work, kid’s events, volunteering or work. When I need help I want to be able to count on his help, right now!

Fifteenth Kiss

He has to be willing to serve others

I am grateful the other frogs dropped off around the fourth, fifth or sixth kiss because I got to marry the man God had designed for me 18 years ago! In our 21 years together, we have gone through all the storms but we have walked through those storms sometimes through the fire and sometimes around the fire but on the other side of those storms we always come out together and with a greater appreciation for the person we married. I do believe in marriage and I do believe you can not only make it work but have lots of fun while you do it as long as you have one common goal sticking you together! May you find what you are looking for because I am here to tell you dreams do come true…