Biz Markie Nostalgia / List of 6

Today's song: "Just a Friend" - Biz Markie

Tonight I took a walk down memory lane into high school and the guys I dated, and this song is a good tool to open up some of those memories I had hidden. I am in college now, so it's not so much that the song takes me back to when it came out, but where/when I heard it was more important. The first time I heard this song I was a freshman in high school I and dating this guy who also happened to be my first real boyfriend, who then broke up with me on Valentine's Day. Needless to say, he was the first in a pretty long line of dating mistakes.
I have come to realize I have a crazy dating record, but doesn't everyone? I mean you aren't dating those people in your past anymore for some reason. Even if it wasn't your choice to end the relationship you can appreciate what you learned from them and eventually come to terms that it wasn't meant to be.
Through my trip down memory lane, I have come to realize that I am a seriously awkward person when it comes to dating guys. Especially in the early stages of dating, my self-confidence disappears and I become very unsure of myself. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only girl out there that this happens to. I am confident in talking with someone as a friend, but then as soon as I decide I have a crush on them, I get all awkward when I try to make plans to get to know them better. I know I need to just buck up and do it, but I am scared to death of rejection. I know everyone is to an extent, but my heart starts racing and I lose all hope of nerve I might have ever had.
Why is it that the media feeds us with this false sense of perfect love? I am such a sucker for those sappy movies that make finding love really simple. All it takes is chemistry, and one sad event that tears you apart but after the guys come chasing you down you both live happily ever after. Real life is not like that. Unfortunately, love is not simple or easy. In my opinion it takes more than a little flirting and good feelings. But as I have previously disclosed, I have a terrible dating record. Who am I to be giving dating advice? Obviously I am no one accredited, but I do know about dating badly, so if the opposite is done, who's to say I couldn't be an expert on good dating ?
I have decided to turn over a new leaf in my dating life though, and I have a list of things I think a guy should encompass for me to have a steady relationship with him. I would love to hear from anyone and hear their lists of musts! (if anyone is reading this)...
My list of 6:
1) Religion - I love my faith and relationship with God, and need a guy who can understand that and hope to have a guy who can I can share a faith with.
2) Laughter - Laughter is essential in my everyday life. I need someone who can make me laugh and can understand my sense of humor, which ranges from poop humor to a dry/sarcastic feel.
3) Decisiveness - I am one of the most indecisive people I know, and need someone who is not going to get upset if he has to make decisions.
4) Sense of self - Someone who knows who they are, what they believe, and what they stand for. Confidence in this is a major thing for me. I like guys who think for themselves.
5) Communication skills - From my lovely experiences in the past, communication is key in a relationship. You must be able to hold a conversation with me and others, but more importantly be able to share feelings and emotions.
6) Love of Music - I am such a music nerd. I don't need the guy to understand every word of my nerdiness, but to accept me in my nerdiness and have an appreciation in his own way for music.
"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul" - Plato