To All the “Checklist” Ladies,

Hi, my name is Midori, and I’m a former “checklister.” When I was single and looking, I definitely had an idea of some very specific features of my dream man.

What Were Some Things on My Checklist?

He would be tall, know how to dance, and love to cook.

He would also be a nerd and smile a lot.

I married Nate, and he is short, doesn’t dance, doesn’t cook very often, not nerdy at all, and doesn’t smile a ton.

He did not meet these checklist items.

What I Got Instead

But I fell in love with him and all those silly items I had wanted, are in NO comparison to the kind of man Nate is.

Nate is the most selfless person I know. He is honest, kind, funny, laid back, doesn’t have the slightest of a temper, and is not a picky eater. He has the most amazing work ethic, and works hard at everything he does. He always finishes what he starts, buys only quality, and takes care of everything he owns. I’m so glad I’m his… because like everything else in his home, he takes amazing care of me. He is so considerate of me and others, always makes me feel like I’m his number one priority, and is understanding during that crazy time of the month all of us women know too well.

Nate is sensitive of my needs, but everything else about him is MAN. He knows his way around any tool, goes fishing and watches UFC. He can build anything, fix anything, and has great taste. He is a numbers wizard and wins at almost any game he plays.

And the most important thing is that Nate is loyal, and he makes me feel every day, that I’m the only woman in his heart. Sometimes he tells me, “I love you more than you’ll ever know,” and I believe him not only because he said he’d never get remarried if I died (I’m trying to convince him to rethink this), but because I can tell by all his words and actions that he thinks of me and considers me.

What I Learned from This

And ladies, the thought of me missing out on this man just because he didn’t meet some silly checklist items… gives me the most harrowing feeling inside.

I just want to encourage you to give every man who notices you a chance… (unless he seriously creeps you out)

… to have an open mind.

…and an open heart.

Cuz I’m telling you, we could all use somebody, and we don’t even know if that person we’re rejecting is exactly the kind of person we need. Nate makes me a better person all the way around. He is strong where I am weak.

Why Did I have a Checklist?

I thought I wanted a man who could dance, just because I love to dance, but all I needed was a man who wanted me to pursue all the things I wanted, who believed in my dreams and believed that I could do anything.

I thought I wanted a man who could cook, just because I love to eat. But I’ve noticed, I actually love cooking for Nate, we love sharing meals together, and we love eating out together. I didn’t need someone who could cook, I needed someone who’s company I loved and who was easy to feed.

I thought I wanted a tall man, but because Nate isn’t very tall, I really fit him like a glove. When we cuddle, it feels like we’re one. If you only date tall guys, you are really REALLY limiting your choices and missing out on some amazing men.

And nerdy? I don’t know why I wanted a nerdy guy. I guess I just wanted smart. And Nate is one of the smartest guys I know. He just doesn’t look or act nerdy at all.

Guys who smile a lot? I think it was just easier for me to trust men who smiled a lot. And it made me feel wanted, like they were smiling because of me. So, I really didn’t need a man who smiled a lot. I just needed a man who was trustworthy and who made me feel desired, and Nate fits the bill:)

This Song Reminds Me We All Just Need Companionship

Apart from all the things that Nate is as a person, he is my companion for life, and that makes all the difference. We can tell each other anything, and that is what keeps people from feeling lonely.

I never even liked this song below when Kings of Leon sang it, but this chick, Laura Jansen has the most perfect voice for this song. It really brought new life to it, and the simplicity of just the piano really makes it that much more beautiful.

We could always use somebody in our lives…

and ladies, we only know what we know.

So give him a chance. If we only say yes to what we know we want, we’re closing doors and missing out on opportunities to discover things we never knew about ourselves. Things we never knew we needed and wanted.