Real Talk: A Semi-Serious Glimpse Into the Heart of a Single, Godly, Twenty-Something (or Almost) Woman

Disclaimer: This is a list compiled by a group of five girls who love Jesus and strive to live like Him. This is not an exact representation of the thoughts of this blog's administrator. 

It's girls' night. We're having good Jesus talk. And yeah, we're feeling a little bit sassy. We realize that as women, we have plenty of areas in which we need to grow and hold each other accountable. This post is intended to be somewhat enlightening...but mostly thought provoking and humorous. 

• Don't flirt if you're not interested. Better yet: Just don't flirt at all. It's often manipulative and immature.
• If you don't love God more than me, it's not going to work out. You should always be in pursuit of the Lord. He comes first. [BOOM--Jennifer]
• If you don't treat your mother and sisters with love and respect, keep walking. The manner in which you treat the women in your family reflects the way you will treat me. 
• No touching until the vows are said and the rings have been exchanged...And my dad has put away the shotgun. [Occasional hugs and hand holding (mittens, not gloves) may be negotiated once a relationship is under way.]
• Getting along with my family is a must. Especially with my father. 
• You must ask my father if you can pursue me. Terrifying? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. The respect you will earn with that single gesture will set the best tone for the duration of our relationship.
• Friendship must come first. If you're not willing to invest in a friendship, you won't really value our relationship. Get to know me, and allow the Lord to lead you into a relationship with me--if it's His will. 
• Remember that we both have friends. The only person we should be obsessed with spending time with is our God. If we're always around each other, we'll never have anything to talk about. 
• Don't play games. State your intentions before you even try to pursue anything. [Cue Backstreet Boys: "Quit playing games with my heart..."]
• Remember that I deserve to be pursued and wooed. 
• Little things are important. Details make an experience. 
• I'm a woman; I will occasionally be emotional. God created me this way; it's okay. Really. Just be okay with it, and go with the flow. If you promise to handle me gracefully, I promise not to go girl crazy on you. [Lydia claims exemption. And Taylor. And Jennifer. Basically, Hannah and Samantha are the only ones who promise not to go girl crazy.]
• Jorts are never okay.
• If we get married, you will be the spiritual leader in our family. If I'm your wife, I want to be able to submit joyfully; become the man God desires you to be. Start preparing now.
• You must have a good last name that works well with my first name. Thanks. [Exclusive to Jennifer. The rest of us aren't picky.]
• If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends. Just kidding. But if you do not get along with Samantha Corrigan, Hannah Offenbacker, Taylor Ramsey, and Lydia Vinson, you will not get along with me. [This is Jennifer speaking.]
• Love God. Love others. Serve the world.
• Communication is key. Don't just hear; listen. I'll do the same.

BOOM.