Adoration

ad·o·ra·tion

  [ad-uh-rey-shuhn] 

noun

1.

the act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship.

2.

reverent homage.

3.

fervent and devoted love.

I was looking today on Facebook @ some photos a friend had online of her and her boyfriend. It was so apparent from the photos that he absolutely adored her.

Must be nice.

When love is so obvious, a stranger can see it in your photos.

Mr. Next Guy is going to have to adore me. Plain and simple. I have to be THE most amazing girl he's ever found. He has to think I am just the bees knees. What girl doesn't want that?

I've been told before I'm "too fairytale." I honestly don't think so. I know there's no such thing as perfect. Umm...I was married to someone in the military for pete's sake. Nothing truly fairytale about that lifestyle (though to outsiders it can appear to be). BUT, there is such a thing as being respected, adored, cared for, and valued. To me, that is my fairytale. Not princesses and white horses and giant castles. 

I haven't read the entire book of "Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman but the general consensus is I'm a "gifts" person. I did take the quiz which told me I am "Quality Time" by 11 and "Receiving Gifts" by 10. I enjoy giving "gifts" and receiving them as well, but contrary to popular opinion, gifts do not equal to stacks of cash spent. A gift means thought, care, and consideration. It could be a sweet card picked up @ the grocery store checkout or one made by hand. It could be my favorite candy, a glass of sweet tea, or a picture of us. Sure, it could also be a new Coach bag or a shopping spree (LOL) but in truth, it's the DEEP thought that counts. Notice how I said DEEP thought, not just thought.

If you know my favorite flower (which you should) is the Gerbera Daisy, don't consistently bring home red roses because you think all girls like them and that's what you're supposed to do. Don't assume that taking me to dinner on my birthday is enough. If you know me truly, you know Birthdays are of the UTMOST importance to me. HUGE DEAL. And please, at the very least...make the reservations. If I date or marry one more person where that is a giant task to them, I swear. I'm not sure I have EVER been surprised with a dinner out. I'm always planning everything and even though I'm a planner by nature (and once by profession), I would LOVE for someone else to do it for a change. And believe me, I clearly outline that in very simple terms since I know most men need to be helped along a little. 

Anyway, I digress and could go on and on.

It would just be nice to be absolutely adored. To be complimented for working hard. To be nurtured. To be cherished. To be respected. To be made to feel like you're TRULY important to the person you're in a relationship with. I know things can't be like that 24/7, but it sure would be nice for them to be like that more often than not. I feel strongly that God calls men to be leaders and to treat the women whose lives they've been entrusted with, with care and gentleness. I hope I find that in Mr. Next Guy :)

Stumbled across this song tonight courtesy of Pandora. I haven't listened to Griffin in a while. Adoration. Enjoy.