Do you remember when I was 19, I submitted a list of prerequisites of preferred traits I would like to see in my Mr. Right? The list was quite a lengthy one and since I thought I might be a little too demanding, I crossed out most of the items which I thought I can do without. Even so, I wasn’t quite sure if it was my right to negotiate with you in the first place. But then again, you did mention this, Ask and ye shall be given. And so what the heck I must as well try.
Here was what I listed back then.
1. Non-smoker, non-swearer and non-drinkerI couldn’t envision myself kissing a foul mouthed guy who reeks of stale cigarette breath while boozing like there’s no tomorrow. I might not be the gorgeous gal around but at least I have my pride.
2. Speaks a common languageI blame it on my parents for emphasizing the importance of English when I was young. I blame Enid Blyton too. As such, any love declarations made in languages besides English won’t impress me too much. Okay, I’m not asking that he speaks Queens English because I don’t but at least for someone who is not linguistically challenged.
3. Loves me a lot, period.4. Loves youThe wise says that for horizontal relationships (human-to-human) to work out, both parties should first establish a solid vertical relationship with you. As God loves us can we only learn to love others.
5. Has good valuesPlease but I do not want an egoistic jerk whose first item on his Ms Right list is ‘must have a great body so that I can be an even better egoistic jerk’. I want a man who is caring, loving, respectful, understanding, undemanding, jovial, even tempered, loyal, etc.
6. Possess a great sense of humourOkay, so everyone is capable of laughing at inane jokes but I want someone who has a higher sense of humour appreciation. I can’t think of an example now but I hope you get what I mean.
7. IntellectualI don’t want a rocket scientist (although that might be cool!) but someone who can converse maturely with common sense and yes, educated. I would like to have children who can at least do basic arithmetic.
8. Appropriate age bracketPlease please please I don’t want a man who is old enough to be my uncle or father. I already have those. Besides, I think it would be quite gross kissing a wrinkled hazel nut while equivalent thoughts of incest swim around in my head.
9. Possess great chemistryI’m not really sure what that means but gals all over the world seem to be repeating that mantra all the time. But I guess it means being comfortable talking, sharing with each other without feeling angry, irritated, repulsed with each other.
10. Financially soundOkay, I have kept this as my last requirement because I don’t want to sound greedier than I am. Money is important to at least have a decent life. And he must earn money honestly. Preferably, I would like to work not because I have to but because I want to.
And so I’m not asking for flowers, expensive dinners, diamond rings or even a knight in shining armour. I just want a decent family man that you approve, that I love and someone who is not afraid to say, I love you (and mean it) in return. I want him to hold my hand in his through ups and downs in our lives till we grow old and grey.
And for all the traits that I have listed above, I promise to have them in myself as well. After all it is ridiculous to ask for something that you cannot give back in return in certain ways.
***Six years on, I just want to say that God is indeed a God of great and small things. Maybe it’s not too late to ask for …. Well, never mind, I’m sure he already knows what I want.
