only a reflection.

You know, I do a lot of social networking. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr. You name it, I’ve probably used it. And in my days of searching the internet for entertainment, I’ve seen countless posts and reposts of quotes aimed at teenage girls, all of them attempting to empower or inspire or simply just reassure each girl that they’re not alone in their quirks and oddities. But the quotes that I have by far seen the most of go something along the lines of, “You’re perfect guy is out there. He’ll never let you go. He’ll love you and respect you. He’ll do anything to make you happy. He’ll care for you and support you. You’re worth more than you think… etc.”

Now, while quotes resembling this one seem appealing at first read, I find I have quite the problem with their motives.

You see, I think it is absolutely important for a girl to value herself as a creation of God and I believe it is important for a man to treat her as such. But, the way these types of quotes talk, it makes it seem as though it all rests upon the guy and every girl is worth such a man that will give up everything for her.

I think it’s time for the girls to step up. We need to take responsibility for our actions, and understand why we may not be attracting the type of godly, respectable man these quotes describe. There are absolutely reasons why guys do not respect and take advantage of girls! Does that make it okay? Absolutely not. But some of the responsibility for why guys act like jerks must rest on our shoulders.

So come on, ladies! Before you repost that thing about your dream man, ask yourself, do you display all the qualities that that quote describes? Are you loving, caring, self-sacrificing, honest, loyal, and most importantly, pure? Just as you want a guy who hasn’t been with every other girl in town, he probably desires the same thing from you. And that’s not to say that past mistakes mean you don’t deserve a nice guy. That’s why Christ offers forgiveness and renewal. But how about right now? Do you care about the way you act around or with guys? The word “jerk” can be used to describe females, too.

Lastly, are you positive that this guy you speak of isn’t already in your life? Are you sure you haven’t condemned him to the universally feared “friend zone”? You say you want this guy, but do you really want him? Or are you more worried about how defined his six pack is or how many instruments he plays?

Just think about it. That’s it.