I really don't ask for much...I'm not expecting the moon, the stars, the sunshine, nor the rain. I don't need you to be wealthy, glamourous, or a genuis. All I ask is for the real you....a you despite what you are, what you've done, and where you've been. I need an individual none-compromising about the things they hold a deep belief and keeping for; a person of courage and honor, humiltiy and grace, spirit and humor, of willful heart and tender soul.

But looking through the experiences I've had, it looks that the less I ask, the more I get. Why is it so commonplace, that whenever you meet a new relationship prospect, he always comes with too much baggage. I'm imperfect, and if I had a choice, I'd want an imperfect man. We all have certain issues and strifes that sometimes impede the true nature of who we aspire to be. It's evitable to have those struggles in life that you cannot conquer, despite a persistent battle. Often times we need guidance, some reassurance that time is a' changin' and the sun does shine on the other side.

He was so perfect in the beginning. In fact, I had such a hopeful heart for the "us" factor, and I truly looked forward to knowing the real man, behind the illuminated character portrayed outwardly. It was a wonderful journey, both for me and for him. I'd never met anyone like him. He brightened everything within me and about me. Extracted so many emotions within, and just helped me to appreciate more the pleasures in life, simply. Often times, I come home from work, listening to the "Quiet Storm" on the radio, and it's like every song, lyrically, spoke to me. Some made me smile, others a bit misty-eyed, and a few I even weeped to, allowing my mind to be consumed with thoughts of "Mr. Man." It happened so fast, how'd I'd get so sprung on him so quickly, yet so infectiously. The things that changed about me after I met him, were and are positive changes, things that help you seize Life as it was meant to be seized.

Suddenly, things took a U-Turn South. Things were steady at first. Then, they sped up slowly, he started calling me baby out of the blue, then I remember one day he was telling me how much he had missed me in the previous days. I felt the same, then "You love me...?," he asked. This was at week 3. I brushed it off, and figured he was just so wrapped up in the moment, and it was like the next most romantic thing to say. I set him straight on how I really felt and made sure he knew exactly where I stood on "Love." It wasn't anything I played with loosely, and if was to happen, it would in due time. It was actually nice getting to know the guy completely for a change. I really enjoyed myself. Then, I think within his mind, he began to take things up several levels without consulting me first. I suppose I was naive to allow things to take off the way they did---I've paid for every date that we've ever had. It was really no big idea at first. He'd just lost his second job, meaning less income and more month at the end of the money than money at the end of the money. I understood, cause I'd been in a silimar bind before. So, it was forgiving. Then, his car had some unforseen misfortunes and he asked me for help to get it fixed. I had empathy for his situation, so I complied and gave him $100 towards his repairs.

Now two weeks later, he decides to put his other car in the shop--which mind you, is a show car----without having the proper funds to get it fixed. He just sends his car to the repair center, no really having any set plans as to how he was going to get it out. I found out yesterday that his plans actually involved me. Granted he had come to me previously about the potential of helping him fix his second car, but I'd also firmly informed him that I had other priorities, and that I could not help him. Granted I've only known this cat for like a month and a half, which is all the reason why I find the entire situation to be uncanny. Basically, he puts his car in shop, not having the means to cover the repairs, but expecting me to help him cover. If, I did that, who's going to cover me. He's so convinced, because he's seen my house once, that I'm some rich kid, who has all this money to spare. (1)No one pays my bills for me but me. (2)I live in my mother's house which she worked damn hard for (3)don't judge a person for their outward or materialistic appearances. But what is really is pissing me off about the entire situation with him, is that he's so unrelentling. I tell him 'no.' And basically he floors me until he gets a yes. Coercing me with "baby" this and "boo" that. Yeah, I'll admit that shit is real nice to hear every once in while, but don't be cruel and use it against me. I really don't want to believe he's trying to use me, cause I really feel like he cares---and this not trying to be that typical 'I'm so head over head, I'd do anything" type sprung lover. I like him, fa real. But what I think has happened, is that he's convinced himself that we're more than we really are to one another. To him, I'm more like his future husband, who he's been with for a while, and he's treating me as such. He wants me to capture his world and take care of him and look out for him, but truth is, I'm not ready for what he's wants. I always thought that I would be the one moving too fast in a relationship, but he's really doing too much for me right now.

I want to stay with him, and get to know him, and make whatever it is between us work. I just need for him to take 10 steps back. I like him, a lot. And he knows this, and I know he feels the same, even before money was introduced. But I think he's so consumed with the notion of me being his 'guiding light,' that he forgets that I still really don't know him, I'm only human, and that all I have is 'me' to look out for 'me'. If I did have his back, then who's going to have mine? Is he going to stand for me, when I have nothing? I'm tired of being nice, It's like you do one good deed in your life, and people just continue to look for more. It's so hard to do great things in people's lives, when there is no appreciation. You show appreciation not by thanks or acknowledgement, but by convincing the deed-er that what you did for them is not being taken in-vain. I'm thru being people's push-thru, punch bag. I just want it to be over.

"Believe"--Raheem Devaughn