I remember standing outside speaking with a male friend of mine when my daughter called me from my parents’ house.  Upon quizzing me about my whereabouts (I’m starting to wonder who’s really the parent here) she proceeds to ask me about this “friend” that I was with.  This wasn’t the first time that my daughter has asked about my male counterparts.  Although she’s never met any of them (they either didn’t get far enough or they’re still being screened) I inquisitively asked my daughter what rules does she have for the men that I go out with.

Here are the rules from my own ten year old that every male friend of mine must follow if they are to ever see me again!

1) They cannot touch me. Hugs are okay…but that’s about it!

2) They have to be real. She’s not a fan of the fake…people included.

3) They have to be nice to me and respect me. This is a given, but it’s nice that she thought of it too.

4) They have to have manners. Opening doors and pulling out chairs is a must.  She went all the way back to the courting days.  There is hope for our future generation!

5) They have to love me for who I am. My daughter knows what I’m striving to be and makes sure that whomever comes into the picture wants me for me and not for what I’m destined to have.

6) They must love my children. Once again, this is a given whether it’s one of her rules or not.  We’re a package deal; take us or leave us alone.

7) They cannot lie to impress me. This is an extension of rule #2.  If you’re being real, then there’s no need to lie.  Besides, lying equals automatic dismissal.

8) They can’t cheat on me. It breaks my heart to know how she knows of this rule but I’m glad she does because that means she won’t accept it herself when she gets older.

9) They can’t hit me. Another rule that I wish she didn’t know enough about to say but once again knowledge is power.

10) They cannot ever break my heart! As she so eloquently put it: ever, ever, EVER!

I must admit that her rules are in alignment with my own.  Of course, I have my own reasons for them but nonetheless they are one and the same.  I make sure that anyone I am contemplating on seeing more seriously is in alignment with these rules.

If even one rule is broken, out the door they go.  It’s nice to know that my daughter has my best interest at heart at such a young age.  Therefore it is imperative that I only bring around men of high caliber that not only meet my standards but hers as well.  After all, she absorbs everything like a sponge.  I will only expose her to the best because I will only accept the best.  This is a dating trait that I will happily pass on to her and I hope she will use it well.