The Perfect Boyfriend

Dear boyfriend:

You do not always have to give me your hoodie when it is cold or raining.
I appreciate the gesture, but I hate seeing you freezing and getting wet. How about we just cuddle up together and keep each other warm?

You do not have to buy me gifts to keep me happy.
I don't need the world when I have you. If you do get me something, I'd much rather have something that you made yourself. I don't care how cheesy it is, it's the thought that counts and you can be sure I'll keep it safe.

You don't have to say "I love you" ten million times a day for me to know that you do.
Trust me sweetheart, the look in your eyes and the way you hold me says it all.

You don't have to be Prince Charming all the time.
Be mean, be playful, loosen up, get competitive, have fun with me! No need to stick with fairy-tale standards. Act like an idiot and tease me—keep things from getting boring.

You don't have to answer back to every single one of my messages.
I know I can annoy you, I know you may be busy, and I know you get distracted or forget. It's okay!

You don't have to agree with everything I say or believe.
I love that you have your own views and opinions, why would I try to shun that? Be an individual. I'm not always right.

You don't have to like all of my friends.
I know, some of them are bitches. To be honest, I don't like all of them either.

You can spend time away from me.
Go hang with the guys, go have some "you" time, no need to hang around me 24/7. We don't have to throw away our independence just because we're in a relationship.

You don't have to love me every second of every day.
I know I make mistakes and that I piss you off sometimes. Your adoration for me doesn't need to be at 100% all the time, especially if I'm being rude, stupid, bitchy, or just plain irritating.

You don't have to feel bad if another girl catches your eye.
Some girls are pretty damn hot, and your manly instincts tell you to admire that hotness. I know that just because you look at another girl doesn't mean you don't want or love me. But I'll admit, I may get a little jealous sometimes. That's just my womanly instincts I suppose.

You don't have to let me abuse you just because I'm a girl.
Just because I'm a chick doesn't give me any more right to purposely inflict harm upon you, physical or emotional, at any time. Don't lash out on me in return, just tell me that what I'm doing isn't right.

You don't always have to tell me what's wrong.
It's fine if you want to keep things to yourself honey, just promise me you'll be okay.

You don't always have to put me above your friends, family, work, or yourself.
There are things in this world that are as equally important or more important than me. I understand that I'm not the only thing in the world, and you don't have to treat me as such.

You can talk to other girls and have friends that are girls.
I know how much you love me and that I can trust you. You shouldn't be restricted, I have friends that are guys don't I?

You don't have to accept my behavior when I'm not acting right.
I get that you aren't going to be the sweetest of guys when I'm bitching at you for something. Don't be scared to tell me how ridiculous I'm being.

You don't have to always be on schedule.
You come home late with a valid excuse, I won't make your life hell for not being on time.

You don't have to look perfect all the time.
Sweetie, you still look gorgeous with messy hair, old pajamas, and a little bit of stubble.

You can complain about me.
I'm not flawless. Neither of us are. I know that complaining about me doesn't mean you hate me, you're just annoyed.

You can be honest with me.
If my shirt isn't flattering, my cooking isn't good, that thing I did made you upset, my favorite band sucks, you don't want to see that movie, or if you'd rather have blue than red; Tell me!

You don't have to just call me "beautiful".
It's fine to call me hot, sexy, or any of that. It's still a compliment, and I've been with you long enough to know that you see me as more than a physical object.

You don't have to be clingy to prove that you love me.
You love me and I know that perfectly well. No need to throw away your independence to prove it, babe.

You don't have to be my therapist, psychiatrist, doctor, counselor, or guardian all the time.
I should learn to take care of myself and solve my own problems instead of relying on you to do it all for me. You have stress in your life too, my issues shouldn't be a frequent burden on you.

When you're tired, you don't have to stay up with me.
I can see how worn out you are; just have a little rest. I hate to see you struggling to stay awake, so lay down and sleep sweetie, I don't mind. You're so peaceful and innocent when you sleep.

You don't have to kiss me in certain locations or situations for it to be meaningful.
A kiss is a kiss, and each one is incredible with you darling. Whether it be inside or in the rain. Besides, I know you hate getting your clothes wet.

You don't have to use, wear, or display everything I get or make you.
Expecting you to frolic around with that pink teddy bear or to wear that hideous purple sweater is ridiculous. I don't even know what I was thinking when I bought you those anyway...

You have the right to get upset.
You're only human, you can't be happy all the time. It's unrealistic for me to honest expect that you be cheery all the time for me. You need space sometimes as well.

You don't have to remember every important date.
You're actually pretty forgetful, but that's understandable. Just because you forget our anniversary doesn't mean you don't love me anymore.

You don't have to give up "guy things" for me.
Sports, video games, action movies, etc. As a matter of fact, I love those things myself. Wanna play Call of Duty?

You don't have to feel guilty for getting turned on.
Guys get horny pretty easy sometimes, it isn't always their fault. I won't call you a dirty pig for it—so long as you don't plan on taking out your "urges" on another woman.

You can have expectations for me.
I don't see how us girls always have the highest expectations for the guys, yet they can't have any for us. Listen hun: Judge me, expect things from me, and don't think that only one of us in the relationship has to act right.

You can prepare me for the worst.
Let me know that things don't always last forever, let me know that there is a potential for you slipping, let me know that you can't always be there for me. We don't live in a perfect little world; teach me that harsh realities of life.

You can suggest that we take a break when things are getting rough.
It's be hard lately, maybe we should just take some time out of a relationship for awhile. We still love each other, but we need a little break. I understand.

You can talk about your ex.
You've already told me that you're over her, and I can see it myself. I'm not going to throw a fit if you say her name a few times or mention her every now and then. You aren't comparing and she isn't even in the picture anymore. It's alright, you aren't crossing the limit.

You can make mistakes.
I still love you with all my heart.

You don't have to be a gentleman all the time.
I can open a door and pull out a chair too, sweetheart, I'd actually prefer it if you didn't treat me like I can't do anything on my own all the time. Does that mean you can't be polite and have manners sometimes? Of course not.

You don't have to take me out to somewhere fancy and expensive for a nice date.
If we do go out, I'd love to help pay the bill however. You don't have to buy everything all the time. Also, I'm perfectly fine having our own little date in the comfort of a home or at the Steak N' Shake down the street.

You can get confused.
Again, it is only natural. Feelings and emotions can be difficult to understand sometimes.

You don't have to model yourself after a fictional person.
I want you babe, and nobody else. Those guys? They're imaginary for a reason.

You don't have to be perfect
For me to love you.