So I got a lot of private messages and emails regarding a portion of my last post about my travels through PA/DE, specifically what I said about Northeast men. If you have not gotten a chance to read my last post, below is the snippet:

This is a Screen Capture, but if you want to read the full details, see HERE.

Many of the message were asking me why I have such a bias against southern and west coast men or telling me that I haven’t met the “right” southern guy yet. Let’s be clear…I DON’T HAVE ANY BIAS. My interests with men have much to do with my personal experiences with them, what made/makes me smile, and how I would like for the dynamics of my romantic relationship to be. I just like the dominant nature that many northeast men exude, that doesn’t mean I only prefer them over all or that other men are weak.

This is what I want…

I want my partner to be as confidant and as hard working as I am which means we will have our own separate schedules, but we value each other enough to still put aside some quality time and close out the world just for us. I want him to respect me enough to be protective of me when I’m not around, even when he’s upset with me. I want him not shut me down and out when problems arise. I want him to know when I’m being beside myself and to correct me in private. I want him to brush my hair back and look at me with understanding. When we are out, I want him to subtly hold my hand to remind me…“Don’t worry, I’m right here with you”. I want him to know that I adore the forehead kisses and the quiet hugs. I want him to appreciate that I’m going to be beside him and will strive towards progressing together. I want him to admire that I am my own person and welcome my ideas. I want him to know that I bring my own benefits to the relationship and that he does not need to carry us both. I want him to make decisions not just for himself, but for us. I want him to be the man in our relationship and be proud that I am his woman and not shy away at letting people know he loves me. I want him to be protective of me and what we have…and I like getting flowers randomly. — I’ve yet to come across this or even the potential of this…and I refuse to settle for someone who thinks he can be cohesive with my persona, but disregards me when things get a little difficult for his convenience.

I’m pretty observant with people and their behaviors, especially men.

I hold men of a certain caliber to a higher esteem and when they fall short, it’s rather disappointing.

If I have high standards for myself, shouldn’t I have high standards for the people around me?

P.S. - If he doesn’t read anything I write, is he really into me??? My website is no secret, so if he doesn’t take even a slight interest in something that I created, then how much does he really want to be involved in my life??? I’ve had plenty of men like me and enjoy my company, but when I mentioned my different endeavours, I got little to no feedback. It would make me feel like I was only a face to them.

Meal Suggestion: Eggs in Purgatory

(During quarantine a few of my friends and I have been sharing meal recipes and cooking tips back and forth.)

Cook time is about 25 mins. Preheat the oven at 375 degrees F.

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small red onion - diced

• 3 cloves garlic - minced

• 1 can reduced-sodium chickpeas - (I didn’t add this when I made this meal)

• 1 can  tomato pasta sauce - (24 ounces)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 5 ounces baby spinach

• 3-4 large eggs (depending on how many people are eating)

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped fresh basil

Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof, nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let cook until slightly thickened. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. With the back of a spoon, make 4 indentations in the sauce. Crack one egg inside of each, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the whole dish.

Transfer the pan to the oven. Bake until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve hot with baguette or garlic bread slices.