Inside Out

Someone once said, ~Deep down we have the qualities of clarity, awareness, sensitivity, warmth and love, but we have little idea at the outset just how deep and vast those qualities can be.~ Let me ask you this question, when it comes to that special someone in your life, could you be able to list the qualities you feel in love with over time? Love or true love for that matter can have a person look deep within one's heart and soul for the qualities that truly show how special someone is. It's those qualities that aren't seen right away as they are considered hidden even though they're in plain view to see. Essentially, it takes time and patience to see those hidden qualities and when you do eventually see them, it brings an even bigger smile to your face.

Without a doubt, there have been men out there and women as well who made the shallow mistake of not looking deep enough for the qualities that truly matter in a relationship. For its all too obvious physical attraction that can most certainly get the better of a person as one can immediately stop digging, so to speak, to find out what makes him or her tick. Instead, he or she stays on the surface where it's safe as that person chooses to avoid finding out what lies beneath the alluring exterior because if at any point an excavation begins one may not like what he or she finds. What it comes down to is not wanting to ruin/break up the seemingly shallow fantasy in one's mind that when your eyes are truly opened that beautiful fantasy becomes an ugly reality.

In any case, when a person does take the time to go beyond the surface you'll begin to see, as well as, understand the qualities that make you aware of how vulnerable and sensitive a person can be. Women, more so than men, carry around that vulnerable sensitivity side to them 24/7 when it pertains to having their emotional needs met, which can be scary insecurity to have for some, most, or all women. As a guy, I've learned that no matter how old a woman is, whether she's 16 or 66, her insecurities will always stay with her to the point where it's a possible cause for the break-up of past relationships. For the most part, it takes a guy who is willing to stay by her side and work through those insecurities and not run away from them leaving her with even more emotional baggage to work through.

Personally speaking, there are qualities that I've seen in a woman who I can honestly and genuinely admit that I have a thing for. She's a simplistic, laid back person who enjoys good music, books, etc. Her caring thoughtfulness shows her deep sincerity for others, especially for her friends who she is loyal to. She is a free spirited traveler with an artistic, creative side to her. She's serious and goal oriented and even though she may not meet those goals at times, she's able to the best of her ability handle it with utmost dignity. She has an overall quirkiness that reveals a wacky side with a very infectious laugh to match, which makes part of her personality so attractive, BUT what brings it all together is her heart that has an absolute love for God and her willingness to serve Him.

Someone said, ~You attract people by the qualities you display. You keep them by the qualities you possess.~ In retrospect, its easy to be attracted by the qualities that a person exude at first glance such as his or her eyes, smile, and their body, which can be mesmerizing as if you're like a deer staring into headlights. Anyways, if you truly care about someone you have to take the time to read what he/she is thinking behind those eyes, what the reasons are that makes him/her light up when she smiles, and oftentimes you have to forget about the physical aspect because it can get old real fast. In the end, what makes relationships last is not looking at the qualities from the outside in, but rather looking at the qualities from the inside out with one's heart as the starting point.