I’m a thoughtful, caring, fun girlfriend but that doesn’t mean I’m totally laid-back and easy to be with all the time. I can be really difficult to be with—but lucky for the guy I date, I’m totally worth it.
- I’m high-maintenance but it’s a sign of self-care. If my boyfriend wants to go out, he’s going to have to wait at least half an hour while I put my face on and change into an outfit that boosts my confidence. For me, this “high-maintenance” quality is a form of self-respect and self-care, which are important GF qualities to have, in my opinion.
- I can sleep in all weekend but that makes me chill to be around. Sometimes all I want to do is lose myself in a great book and not even speak. I need a guy who’s okay with that. I think the bonus of being with me is that we can chill together without worrying about anything for the whole weekend!
- I retreat into my own shell but it means my BF gets his space too. Sometimes I feel down without a reason or I just become anti-social. It might be a drag, especially if people don’t understand why I’m being like that, but I’m never nasty or anything. I’m just introverted sometimes. So what? At least I can be alone with my thoughts, and this time away from everyone also enables my BF to get some space to do his own stuff, so everyone wins.
- I hate the outdoors but I know how to compromise. I love being in pretty gardens and at the ocean, but you won’t find me camping, doing any adventure sports, or even taking a too-brisk walk. Sorry not sorry. That might make me annoying to those die-hard nature types, but hey, maybe being with me will introduce them to how nature can be glamorous, like with glamping. No?
- I can be negative but that brings perspective to situations. Glass half empty and all that, but sometimes being negative can be a good thing. Hear me out. If I express a negative opinion on something, it could highlight what’s wrong with it or potential risks associated with a big decision, which could actually help people make better decisions.
- I suffer from anxiety but it makes me empathize better. I have an anxiety disorder that I keep under control for the most part but sometimes it’s just too much to hide and I have to endure horrible panic attacks, which are embarrassing. It’s no fun for the guy I’m dating to have to avoid certain things, like a fully-packed stadium, just so that I won’t freak out. But being anxious has made me more empathetic to others’ problems, which means my boyfriend’s guaranteed I’ll try to see things from his perspective and acknowledge his feelings.
- I’m too nice but I’m strong too. Ugh, I just can’t help it. No matter how much I try to reel in the kindness, I sometimes go into intense niceness mode, which some people mistake for weakness. My niceness doesn’t mean I’m weak, though—kindness is a sign of strength and makes me a great support system (to a BF who appreciates it).
- I have trust issues but I give my heart fully when I’m ready. My trust issue baggage is a whopper and takes up half a room—but hey, who doesn’t have issues? I’m worth it because once I trust the person I’m dating, they have my heart. Plus, I’m trustworthy AF so they never have to worry about betrayal, cheating, or shady behavior on my side.
- I can be a nag but I’ll motivate the one I’m with. I won’t nag a guy to pick up his clothing or take the garbage out but I might nag him about chasing his dreams, seeing himself with as much love as I do, and that sort of thing.
- I want 100 percent effort because I give it. I don’t want to be with someone who makes an effort to date me then becomes lazy AF when he’s got me where he wants me. Oh, hell no. I demand a guy who’ll give me his full effort all the time and I don’t see why that’s crazy. I give 100 percent right back, so it’s fair.
- I’m loud AF but fun to be around. Yes, I can be shy as hell, but sometimes I’m really loud. I have a loud laugh that my mother’s been telling me to keep under wraps since I was a little kid. I’m the wrong person to take to any event where I’m forced to be quiet—that always gets a laugh out of me!—but at least my partner’s guaranteed of having someone who’ll keep things entertaining.
- Loving myself is a work in progress but that makes me real. I try to love myself as much as I can and I’m getting better at it but it’s not smooth sailing all the time. Sometimes I hate myself—the way I look and the way I’m a bit socially awkward, for example—and I express these insecurities to my partner. Might sound like a no-no, but it’s good to share all our darkest sides and flaws, right? It brings greater intimacy and at least I’m not faking who I am.
