I love my mom.
Her words of wisdom and encouragement have found their way on to this blog numerous times, and because of her, I never stopped believing that my Prince Charming would find his way to me and me to him.
When my heart was broken, she was the first person I called. When I smiled from ear to ear after my first date with my boyfriend, she was on the phone before I left the parking lot. And when my boyfriend (whom I met on CatholicMatch) said “I love you” for the first time, we rejoiced together with a glass of wine like old girlfriends.
[Lisa Hendey's Dating Advice To Her Son]
From birth to adulthood, moms shape us emotionally and spiritually, and they can offer the best relationship advice, whether we like it or not. I was reminded of this truth when I came across Pat-5351’s reference to an article by author, columnist and mother Theresa Thomas called “Mom’s Rules for Getting the Girl” in the Single Living forum.
“A quality woman will bring out the best in a man. She will hold him to high standards. She will value herself, and she will value you. Look for this type of woman and don't settle. Look for a girl who will help you be your best. How can you get the girl?”
Her recommendations are simple, yet a great reminder for men (and women, too!) to hold strong to the basic components of chivalry and romance while keeping your standards and expectations high to find a quality spouse.
So what does Thomas say men need to do to “get the girl”? A few examples:
- You help her with her coat on and off.
- You are on time. You arrive when you say you will and leave when you say you will.
- When she speaks, you look at her and listen. You do not check your cell phone during the meal, unless you are a doctor and have received an emergency call.
- You treat her the way you would want your wife to be treated by another man. This woman may become your wife or she may be another's someday.
In addition to many other recommendations, she urges men not to settle. Men should search for a woman who isn’t high maintenance, respects her partner and has high morals. By following her rules, Thomas says that you won’t just get the girl, but you will get the right girl, which makes all the difference.
I trust this mom’s opinion, just like I trust my own mom’s, but what do you think? After reading her full article, do you think she accurately captured what it takes to find a quality spouse?
