Boo'd Up

What is considered a boo? A boo is nothing more than a titleless term that describes an individual in an insignificant, uncommitted relationship. Now I’m not talking about the term of endearment that is in reference to your girlfriend or boyfriend, but rather to the one who you call when you’re lonely or text whenever it’s convenient for you and you need some company. It’s about that time for “Boo’d up” season, you know what I’m talking about – when the weather outside is alittle nippy and Christmas is around the corner and you need a cuddle buddy to keep you warm at night or buy you that gift you’ve been eyeing at the mall. You aren’t really looking for a serious relationship, but just someone to play house with for a while as you act like wifey.

But the thing is I’m not looking for a boo, a mere untitled male that is only around for a season. I want a man – don’t get it confused with a boy because there is a distinct difference - that respects me above all, understands my wants and desires, encourages me to be myself, and relishes in my accomplishments, not shoot them down because it doesn’t line up with his future plans. A man who knows when he has a good woman by his side and doesn’t want to trade in his Picasso for a cheap yard sale replica. A man who wants to worship with me in church on Sunday and prays endlessly for our safety and long lasting relationship. A man who is goal-oriented, a futurist, a realist, and a hard worker. A man who doesn’t want to know me on a physical level, but rather wants to explore my innermost thoughts on a deepest of levels. A man who is secure in his appearance and current status, not buying big cars or throwing his money around just to cover his insecurities. A man that doesn’t need to always buy me the most expensive piece of jewelry just to express his love, but one that can write a simple handwritten note saying “I love you!” to show how he feels. A man that appreciates my natural beauty and doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable as I lay lazily on the couch with my favorite plaid sweatpants and oversized t-shirt with a scarf on my head that hides the curly afro that is beneath. A man that can hold an intellectual conversation with me over dinner and a glass of Moscato. A man who watches Sunday football games, but also can compromise to watch Lifetime.  A man who compliments me even when I think I’m having a bad day. A man whose forehead kisses cause me to be shift into a state of ecstasy. A man who isn’t satisfied with just being my boo, but one who strives to be my best friend, my life partner, my Spiritual counselor, my advisor, my lover, and my future.

Please understand that this is not an ad for the man of my dreams, but it is an issue that needed to be addressed because so many women and men are settling for this “boo” status that equates to a convenient state of seasonal cuddling, which results in an eternity of seeking, but not finding their dream mate that they have wantedfor so long. I don’t know about anyone else, but I know that my standards are high, I deserve the best, I refuse to settle for less. I will not fall to be a statistic of the “Boo’d Up” season.