So what I want what I want!

After my last relationship attempt fell apart so spectacularly, it took almost a year to recover. Only in the past six months have I even been able to consider opening my heart to someone new. And while I’m finally ready to be in a relationship, that doesn’t mean I’ll fall for the first guy who makes me laugh.

This isn’t arrogance—it’s self-worth.

I’m an independent, self-sufficient, intelligent woman. Yes, I was raised in a Puerto Rican household where women were often expected to be nurturing and domesticated. But I’m also Americanized enough to know I will not be taken for granted. That dynamic just doesn’t work for me. No offense to women who embrace traditional roles—respectfully, it’s just not my path.

Recently, I spent time with someone I genuinely enjoyed being around. He made me laugh, and the chemistry was there. But his immaturity was impossible to overlook. I won’t go into detail out of fairness to him, but I’ll say this: I’m not your sugar mama, and you don’t get to treat me like a girlfriend while reminding me you “don’t want a relationship.” You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

At this stage in my life, I’m not looking for practice—I’m looking for partnership. I want my next relationship to be better than my last. And yes, I’m picky, because I should be. Every woman deserves someone who values her, respects her, and treats her like the queen she is.

I know what I want—and I’m not ashamed of that.