try to assemble this ridiculously complex garden gnome he bought on a whim. He’s got this concentrated look on his face, tongue poking out slightly, and I can’t help but smile. Life feels incredibly vibrant right now. It’s funny how much things can change in a year when you finally stop performing and start just... being.

My mind keeps drifting back to our fourth date, which was the real turning point for us. I remember I was so stressed that morning. I had this idea in my head that I needed to be the "perfect" woman—always composed, always saying the right thing. We went to this local food festival, and I was terrified of looking messy or uncool.

Then, the "disaster" happened. I tripped over a loose cobblestone and my giant taco went flying. I ended up with hot sauce on my white sneakers and a very bruised ego. I started to apologize profusely, but when I looked up, David wasn't judging me. He was beaming. He started laughing—not at me, but at the absurdity of the taco’s flight path. He grabbed some napkins, helped me clean up, and told me that my "taco dance" was the highlight of his week.

That’s when it hit me. Men aren't looking for a scripted version of a person. They want genuine joy. They want someone who can roll with the punches and share a real, unfiltered laugh. He told me later that seeing me laugh at myself made him feel like he could finally relax too. I spent so much time reading about this before we met beacuse I wanted to get it right. I actually remember checking out this page which really helped me shift my perspective: https://www.sofiadate.com/dating-advice/what-do-men-want-in-a-woman

The smell of the blooming jasmine from the garden is drifting up here, and the air feels so soft. I remember that festival day, the smell of smoked brisket and the sound of a local band playing in the distance. It was the first time I felt like I didn't have to hold my breath around him. I think that's the biggest secret—men want someone they can exhale with. Someone who brings a sense of light into the room. It’s not about being a supermodel; it’s about that warm energy you project when you’re truly happy.

It really comes down to emotional connection and being a "teammate." He wants to know he’s coming home to a safe harbor, someone who sees the best in him even on his messy days. Today, as he finally gets the gnome’s hat to stay on and does a little victory jig, I realize that being his person is the most rewarding thing ever. It’s about the small stuff—the way we make each other feel seen and appreciated. Happiness is honestly so much simpler than we make it out to be! Now, he’s looking up at me from the yard, waving that trophy. I’m going to go down there and give him a huge hug. Life is good.