Marquette and I were talking about guys and how when you're seriously thinking of marriage, you need to know what you want before you look. Especially when you're hispanic chicas like us, there's certain qualities in men you really, really want to avoid. However, if these points aren't firm in your heart and mind, a crush can send them flying right out of your thoughts and land you in real trouble.
"So how do you make sure you remember what to look for when you're feeling . . . twitterpaited?" Marquette asked.
"Easy," I said. "You make a list and look at it regularly."
"Does it work?"
"If you have the self-discipline to look at it when you feel the first twinge of affection, and are honest and strong enough to stick to the list--then yes, it works."
Here's my list. I first wrote it when I was 11. Since then, some things have changed—for example, I no longer require Him to be 6 ft plus, red headed, or have violet eyes. *grins* There's no real logic to the order of this list, but some things are obviously of more importance than others.

My Future Husband…
… loves Jehovah more than He loves anybody else on earth, including me.
… is a longtime pillar in the congregation, serving as a well-respected pioneer/ministerial servant/elder.
… is somewhere between my age and fourteen years older than me.
… either is/was a Bethelite, or is reaching out to some kind of full-time service.
… is genuinely kind and loving to all; a sincere people person.
… is a man: self-confident, not arrogant; commanding, protective, tenderly loving.
… has a level head, even during emergencies.
… is strong physically, mentally and spiritually.
… admonishes and corrects in a kind and gentle manner.
… is patient and calm.
… is an explorer, always wanting to learn more.
… loves kids and is good with them.
… gives me such a sense of trust and safety that He can do things like look over my shoulder while I work and I will not freak out.
… understands and accepts the fact that I have issues with my parents.
… protects me even from myself.
… lets me, and others, know He is proud of me.
… enjoys me and everything about me.
… trusts me with His heart and his tears.
… shows and tells me He loves me every day.
… takes my wellbeing very seriously.
… takes over when I am too upset or too tired to do anything, even make simple decisions.
… likes to cuddle.
… has big, strong hands.
… thinks I'm hot.
… enjoys quiet.
… appreciates art and music.
… likes to read.
… likes animals.
… has a sense of humor and can tease, but not in a mean way.
… is either my height (5' 8") or taller because I am willing to admit, I'm too shallow to be with someone shorter than me.
… is at least willing to dance with me. That means no lame excuses, groans, or rolling of the eyes.
… shares the cooking and cleaning duties.

Perhaps I've set myself up to fail, listing things only a perfect man can fulfill. All I can say to that is Marquette made her own list and is now happily married. If some of the things I list seem too much, even for a perfect man, … well, it's not impossible because Sarah Broden found Mac. If I have to wait 1,000 years, it will be worth it. Jehovah will send him my way.