Every time I hear you say, "
choose wisely; treat kindly," I smile. My mom's version of the same advice as I was growing up was "
Choose your love; love your choice." I'm happy to say I took her advice.
Even when I went away to college, I stuck to our simple family rule that if a guy wanted to date me, he had to ask my father's permission. This automatically eliminated 90% of the boys who were jerks or cowards. After getting to know me for a few weeks around campus at various activities, my now-husband asked me out for Valentine's Day dinner on a real date, and he called my dad for permission to do that. "
Sure!" my Dad replied. "
Make reservations for four and we'll meet you there at 7:30!" So, our first real date was with my parents. My dad had a man-to-man talk with my date about what it meant and didn't mean to date me, and my now-husband proved his character in the way he handled that first serious conversation.
We're celebrating ten years of marriage, five children and I have a man I am proud to love and trust and call the father of my children. He respected me, valued me, and earned my love. He is a man of honor, integrity, responsibility and worthy of the utmost admiration and respect. I chose my love well and wisely, and now I love my choice well by treating him kindly. Thank you for encouraging women to be picky, and I'll keep smiling each time you remind me of my own mom.
Angela
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