When I was asked how I knew J was the one for me, a million little things came to mind. Sure, he made me laugh, and he treated me with respect. He got along with my family and friends. We shared a lot of common interests {and being a fellow red-head did not hurt!}, but really, there were several other things, the X factors, that sealed the deal. These factors extended beyond the first date and really live at the core of his being. Things that make you go Z I N G ! His quirky qualities that signaled to me that this guy is a keeper. Here are the top three…
The X Factors
01 // His apartment did not smell.
Walking into a guy’s space and being hit with a wall of cat smell or dirty laundry smell or smoke smell or any kind of nauseating smell is a quite the opposite of warm and cuddly. As I walked the two flights to his apartment for the first time, I was slightly … terrified. Throw out any fear of this guy being a habitual nighttime sandwich maker or collector of ex-girlfriends’ locks of hair. Silently praying that it just did not smell too bad was my one wish. When he unlocked the door, I was shocked. Not only did it not have any odor w h a t s o e v e r, the kid cleaned. In fact, it smelled fresh. Happy dance.
02 // Opening doors for others was second nature.
Yes, I’m very capable of opening my own doors. Besides the fact that it is nice and very thoughtful, it was also an indication of how he treats others. He’s a helpful fella that will step in front and open those doors whether he knows you or not. Many times, I’ve walked out of a place, turned around and he was nowhere to be found. Wait a moment. He was at the end of the train of people. This guy … I tell ya. But beyond the doors {remember I said this was an indication of his overall being}, he’s an A+ dad, the #1 team player in life and always willing to help family, friends and co-workers. Working together comes naturally for us. And I love it.
03 // He had basic cooking utensils.
I mean, to say I was really happy to see cooking utensils in his kitchen is an understatement. And I’m talking about utensils other than the three musketeers: spoon, knife and fork. Did he have a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances? Absolutely not. {Super quaint, seafoam green + metal. Missing it.} But what he did have included the necessities like two spatulas, a whisk, a sharp knife + a cheese knife {I. know.} and a potato peeler. He could cook {almost} anything with these. Until the moment I realized he didn’t have tongs so off to the store I went. But knowing that he had gathered these important items by himself {and that they were used before} let me know he went beyond a microwave meal bachelor. And honestly, the cheese knife really could exist on it’s own number … in fact …
03.1 // Cheese Knife.
I found a guy that loved everything and anything all things cheese. His eyes would light up if I asked him to try something new and funky. His favorite cheese is Muenster. He loves Gouda and Gruyere. Fondue or on a cracker, he will eat it. Bake it or fry it. Stuffed inside or wrapped around. Cheese curds. He just … he gets it. 🙂 And he was able to slice the deliciousness into savory little squares for us to enjoy. Cheese knife props!
For the single gals {and guys} out there, I urge you to think of your X factors – those qualities that you may not think about immediately but a few unique characteristics/things that really could help define how the two of you could mesh together in the long run. And for those attached, what are your X factors that ignited the spark??
(Hi, bubbs. xxxxoooo)
