The Bachelor

Since the inaugural season of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, I've been a loyal fan. Not only do I love the shows for their entertainment value, but they are a constant reminder of the blessing in my life I like to refer to as Woody. As I listen to the lonely hearts and and the dreams of all the wishful women that hope to land the attention, love, and possibility of proposal from The Bachelor, I realize that I too had some of those same feelings being single. There is something missing inside. Something you long and yearn for but seem to look in all the wrong places.

The days of middle school crushes, high school flings, college relationships and adventures made me the person I am today. I don't regret for a second past relationships of any sort. Whether they were merely friendships or romantic relationships, I quickly learned the characteristics I wanted, or the ones I wasn't necessarily looking for, in a relationship. Was I looking for a husband in particular to alleviate my need for stability and security? No. Did I find someone I fell in love with and couldn't imagine a day living without? Yes! God blessed the broken road that led me straight to Woody. Our timing was perfect for finding each other. Without the experiences and trials before meeting Woody, I wouldn't appreciate loyalty, trust, complete love and devotion, friendship, and all the other things I love about him and our life together. Woody is my best friend, my hero, and my soul mate. It says so on his wedding band.

My advice to those with a missing piece in their lives:

1. Praise the Lord for all the blessings in your life no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

2. Make a list of the things you are looking for.

3. Make a list of the things you are definitely not looking for.

4. Get involved at church, at school/work, and in the community.

5. Be yourself! Compete love and devotion comes from someone who loves you for you.

6. Don't apply to be on The Bachelor because your "eggs are rotting".

7. Patience is a virtue. The lessons learned and the wait are all worth it for Mr. or Mrs. Right.

8. Learn as much as you can about yourself.

9. Ask the Lord that you may find happiness and fulfillment and to bless you when the timing is no less than perfect.

10. Ask my friends who have followed this advice. The results may surprise you.