Prose

Careful, girl. He might seem sweet now, but what about later?

He'll kiss you and hug you and touch you in ways that will make you squirm.

But is that all there is to a man?

Is that all you care about?

A physical love that makes you giddy and hot?

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?

Yet what of his personality?

He says, "That's me, babe. Take it or leave it."

You think, "Well, might as well take it."

But to take means to take it all.

Are you prepared for that?

He's a rough player and definitely a ball player.

He hits home runs and shines when he's right.

Yet when he's wrong, he'll turn sour.

When he strikes out, he's a bull on a rampage.

If you, his girl, is ever in trouble, he'll fight for you.

And when he's in trouble, he'll want your help too.

But don't bruise his ego, don't make it obvious he's in such a dire state.

Or he'll pout and whine as if you struck struck his pride as a man.

His kisses are awesome, I'm sure.

Yet when he's not kissing you, or telling you he loves you, how does he use his mouth?

He's silent sometimes, isn't he?

Well that's nice, maybe he's a thinker.

Like one of those brooding types.

A secretly intellectual man with an encyclopedia in his brain.

But what if he's not?

And what if, when he isn't silent, the things that come out of his mouth are less than spectacular?

Everyone has a dirty mouth, there's no denying it.

Even saintly people have their own versions of "potty language."

Yet his... his might be a dangerous as bombs.

His vocabulary is... interesting to say in the least.

Creative, I suppose.

But in truth it's just vulgar.

Are they things that come out of his mouth something you want to hear on a regular basis?

Are they things that won't make your grandmother faint in shock or horror?

Would you be ashamed to introduce him to your parents?

What do your friends think of him?

See those sideways glances they give whenever they want to say something but refrain from doing so?

See how they bite their lips and vaguely answer you when you ask of their opinions about him?

Are they telling you the truth?

Is he really an okay guy?

Or are they just so uncomfortable him even as a subject they can't talk about him?

There are so many things to consider.

You have to be careful.

Is he the type of guy you want?

Is he the type of guy you see yourself with ten years from now?

Do you see yourself willingly having his children?

Even if you aren't the type to particularly want a children yourself, do you still not mind the idea so much if it were to happen?

Is he the type of guy you can take to Church and know he'll behave or at least make an effort to?

Is he the type of guy you wouldn't mind being a role model for your younger siblings?

Is he the type of guy who won't embarrass you in a shameful way in public?

Can he keep his hands to himself when necessary?

Can he filter the things he says or monitor the things he does that might make another person terribly uncomfortable so that they won't be?

Is he a team player or a one-man show?

Think it over.

Is it worth it?

Should you really be with him?

Just because he was a good friend before doesn't make him a good boyfriend.

If he's an asshole, just because he's with you doesn't necessarily mean he'll change for the better.

Tough as it may seem, but not all men can be persuaded by the will of a woman.

Some men are just so stuck in their ways, you have no hope.

So if he says, "That's me, babe. Take it or leave it," you'd better be prepared.

Because he means take it all.

Because he won't change a thing.

Not just for you.

Not enough to make you happy.

And if you have to completely reform yourself, then it's not worth it.

Don't mold yourself around a man.

Compromise should be met.

A little changing here and there is necessary, but don't become his shadow.

Be careful, girl.

Maybe he's just not worth it like you think.




End Notes: People experience so many bad relationships in their lives. And for some people, they just don't know how to get themselves out of it. They don't know how to read the signs. They just see what's on the surface and not what's underneath. They don't look before they leap.

I've seen it before. I've seen it many times. Not just young people, not just older people. Everyone. And not just girls either. Though directed at girls this time, that doesn't mean boys/men shouldn't keep an eye out on their female counterparts either.

If you have any doubt, take a longer look. Take a moment to see if he's what you imagine to be, or if there's something there you might want to be wary of. Not all men are suspicious, no, but when your heart's on the line, it's okay to be a little cautious. No one likes being heart broken or toyed with.

Don't make yourself suffer for nothing.