Dear Boy,

Who knows where you are right now, or what you're doing. But there are some things you should know about me...

Don't be fooled by this smile. Even though I may appear to be self-confident, I’m not. I need to hear you say "Good job", "You look beautiful", "I missed you", or "I’m proud of you"...and often. Don't be upset if I act like I don't believe you...the more I hear it, the more I believe it.

Sometimes, I get this sudden need to be held. My dad calls them "cuddle attacks". All I need is for you to hold me for a few moments, and I'm fine. I live for random hugs at the oddest moments. Sneak up behind me and hug me...I'll squeal, but I love it. On the flip side, there's gonna be times where I just don't want to be touched...please don't let that keep you from trying. If I can't take it right then, I'll tell you.

I love massages as much as I love hugs...and maybe more.

I know you have girls that you’re close to, just like I have guys that I’m close to. Please don’t be mad at me if I seem a little jealous...I want to know I’m the only girl who really matters to you.

I don’t need anything fancy or expensive to make me happy. To me, a picnic in the back yard is better than an expensive dinner. And if it rains, it’s okay to have the picnic in the living room instead. 

Show my mom respect…and respect your own mother (even if you think she’s nuts). Talk to my dad – he needs to know he can trust you. Hang out with my brothers. It’s the little things that you do with my family that mean a lot.

It’s okay to call me at 2 in the morning because you couldn’t sleep – I’ll answer. I love hearing your voice, even when I’m half asleep.

Go ahead and pick on me. Make me mad at you. Then hug me when I’m mad at you. I’ll be over it soon. And if I try to push you away, don’t let go.

Dance with me, even if there’s no music or you think you can’t.

If I call at a bad time, either put me through to voicemail or tell me it's a bad time - I'd rather have the truth than lame excuses.

Please remember I prefer daisies to roses, and that to me, Hershey's is the only REAL chocolate.

I love watching you do what you love - I would sit in the rain for hours to see you doing what you love. But please don’t try to impress me...I would much rather see you make a complete fool of yourself with a three-year-old for five minutes when you think I’m not looking than watch you shoot 3 pointers for hours at a time when you know I am.

Pick me up when I’m not expecting it. You know I love it.

It's okay to be a jerk once in a while...just not all the time.

Sing to me – I don’t care how awful you sound as long as it's for me!

Tell me stupid jokes – the kind that are so dumb they make you roll your eyes.

Cook with me. There are few things as sexy as a man who knows his way around a kitchen.

Spend time with my family. Get to know them – understanding them is a big key to understanding me.

Stay on the phone with me when I’m sad, even if I’m not saying anything. Even if you don't know what to say, just knowing you're on the other end of the line makes me feel better.

Come in Bath and Body Works or the Deb with me; it's not like anyone's going to care!

Drive somewhere where we can talk and watch the sun go down from the hood of your car. And when the stars come up, count them wth me?

Teach me to drive stick (if you can, of course).

Let me help work on your car. Believe it or not, I do know how to change brake pads…and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.

Just be silly with me - I don’t always want to be serious!

Tell me if you think something I’m about to do is going to hurt someone.

Understand I have trust issues, and I have been through more than I’m willing to tell you all at once. I will eventually tell you things, but it’s going to take time. Please respect that.

Never say "I love you" unless you mean it with everything in you and you are willing to do whatever it takes to have me. It's not just something you say...it's something you live.

Don’t offer me the moon - I already have it. My Teddybear hung it from a star just for me. He’s been there throughout the Hamburg years - both the good years and the bad – and is as close to me as one of my brothers. Each of us would give life or limb to protect the other. Please know he will always be a part of my life.

My Pippin will always be a part of my life. She’s been there through the tough stuff and the easy stuff. She reminds me of my commitments, even when I’d rather forget them. She lets me know when I’m getting myself in over my head. She taught me to dream big, and to not settle for second best. Sometimes I think she’s harder for guys to get past than my brothers are. Please know, we will always be there for each other, no matter where life takes us.

My Sissy has been there longer than anyone but Teddy. She has also been there for the tough stuff. I don’t know how I could have survived all those years of Girl Scouts if I didn’t know that I’d be hanging with her. Most friendships dissolve during high school - we’re one of the few exceptions. We’ve stuck together through all the different changes that life brings. Please know we will always be there for each other.

I have more than three brothers, for I have friends that are like brothers to me. Their victories, failures, interests, and heartaches affect me as much as my own brothers’. My heart breaks over their suffering, and fills with joy over their triumphs. Each one of them has played a role in how I view men and relate to them. Midnight phone calls will be answered, even if it’s just to say, "If you’re not about to die and your heart isn’t broken, I’m going back to sleep" (though I don’t do that often). They are my boys; I love each and every one of them in their own way, and I always will. Please believe me when I tell you they are my boys and nothing more – you are the one who holds my heart.

My girls mean as much – more, even – to me as my boys. I talk with them, laugh with them, shop with them, and cry with them. They are the first ones I go to when something happens. They know they can come to me anytime with anything, and vice versa. If they call me in the middle of the night, I will always answer, no matter how little sleep I’m going to end up having. Please understand – they will always be a priority in my life.

I know you have wants and needs, too. I’m willing to listen. I want to make this work.