Countdown

In exactly, one month, less than 30 days, I will be finishing my freshman year of college. Yowza. I cannot even being to describe what a year in university did to me. A normal person, a sane person, would quickly jump to leave, but not I. Instead, I'm dreading going back home. I don't have to leave school. Why would anyone not want to leave the place that brings the bane of my existence into play? Maybe I should clarify: I want the school work, the load, and the early morning classes, but I don't want to leave campus, the people that have now become my family, and the on-campus chapel service. It's so strange thinking back a year ago, itching to leave home, and explore the world. I also couldn't wait to make something of myself, not just be at home, working a lulling job and then come back, with the same people, same routine, and same scenery. I emphasized that. But, now that it's time to come back home for the summer, a time of reflection seems fit to ponder upon the events that begins to counter the makeup of my life.

You really do change in a year of university. For the good, for the bad, you do really change. I'm fortunate enough to attend a Christian university that strives to develops one's character while maturing her relationship in Christ. Your thinking changes, you grow more mature, and you see the world through a different set of eyes. You face challenges that you need to face by yourself, or at least, tackle them head on without running to Mommy or Daddy. In university, you need to prioritize and plan your own schedule and because of that, you are accountable with your own time. Nobody else manages your schedule, so you need to arrange it in such a way that you have time to sleep, eat, do homework, and chill. Cause chill time is imperative in college. No, really. Another thing that you need to keep in perspective that you need to eat, so you need to budget your money so that you'll have enough to eat, miscellaneous expenses, and other necessities. So really, college primes you to act, behave, and be a responsible and mature adult.

I may not have gotten a prom, but the Christmas Ball sure came close. The dress, the makeup, the friends, the after-party...it gave me a glimpse of what it was like. While it didn't exactly live up to my expectations, it gives me the assurance that next year will be even better, hitting the ball out of the park in all areas. Plus, with my roommate attending next year, it's going to be awesome.

I'm really excited for what next year will bring. With plans to work during the summer and taking a class on-line, my summer will give me something to do, rather than just letting it go by quietly. And with more imminent changes during my sophomore year, I am so excited to see what God has for me next year!

Stripes and Rouge

I haven't done this in a while...but it's good to visit things again.

I try to stand out on my campus. There is a pretty typical attire and I attempt not to go with the crowd. Even with the vintage-y and hipster-esque clothing, I like to be different. Unique. And I do that by maintaining a European, classy but modern look.
For people that know me, they know that stripes are my fashion staple. I have at least 10 different striped shirts of different sleeve lengths. One may say I have an infatuation, but really, I'm just enamoured by the French way of dressing. Je m'habille pour impressionner. And I like to think I'm doing it well.

Shirt: Joe Fresh
Pants: Levi's
Flats: London Flats (via asos) 

Also, check out my lookbook profile: http://lookbook.nu/stuckinthe50sralu

Wanderlust.

It's always good to think in advance. That way, it makes planning and budgeting more simpler. Remember this post? Well, I've decided that I want to add something on the side, an addendum of some sort. Also, I just want to travel. With plans to travel outside North America temporarily on hold (or on pause due to my finishing school), I've decided that travelling within the U.S. could be just as exciting. Plus, road trips add more excitement. I just need to travel. It's something that I can't fight, so why bother trying?

1. A campus tour of Yale

I've always wanted to visit an Ivy League school and with my obsession with Gilmore girls, it's perfect. I don't necessarily want to hear the whole spiel that one often gets when one visits the campus of her potential university; I just want to visit it. That's all. Oh, and possibly get a sweater or t-shirt. That would be absolutely grand.

2. New England

After finishing touring Yale, I can easily venture and see Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. I've always wanted to experience the upper Atlantic states and with the style (since I am a chick, of course I'm going to mention the style that comes with the geography). And the scenery...indescribable.

3. New York City

I want to have a massive shopping nirvana experience in NYC. It's a very American thing to do and I plan to do it. Besides, it's not that far away from campus with the bus so it won't be that much of a stretch.

4. Hawaii

Words cannot describe how excited I am that I am going to Hawaii, probably in the summer of 2014. Since of my best friends lives on the island of Oahu, I get the extraordinary privilege of going home with her the summer she graduates. Of all the places on my list, this is perhaps the one that I am definitely and certainly going (and the one that will require the most money to earn).

5. North Carolina

I've seen nearly all of Nicholas Spark's movie adaptations and what I can deduce is that North Carolina is a very romantic state. Thus, I must visit it, but not for that reason. The simple scenery, the intimacy it provides would be the ultimate weekend road trip.

6. Charleston, SC

I have no words to amass to express how ardently I want to visit. Just...nope, no words. Perhaps when I visit will I able to express my thoughts. But the English language does not suffice.

7. Redding, CA to Los Angeles

Fly to Redding, California, and spend (preferably a conference) a weekend at Bethel Church and then drive down to San Francisco, and then south to Los Angeles and all that jazz.

This will happen, hopefully 6/7.

Style Metamorphosis

There are so many things I love about March. First of all, it's the beginning of Spring; the sun comes out, the days are longer, the birds are chirping, and breeze is warm and soothing, and summer is on its way. To me, Spring is the renewal of dead things, things that appear to be lifeless and still, and makes it grow, awaken, and blossom with vibrant and luscious colors. I feel that God is also the same way. He takes what appears to dead or gone to the naked eye and He brings an awakening that makes you feel as though you have been dormant your entire life.
On that token, springtime is also a good time to analyze my style and plan for the summer (I'm an overachiever). Especially with the nirvana from Like Crazy, I've only looked online at Zara, asos, Topshop, and H&M. I feel that in previous years, it leaned more towards a 50s look, and while there's nothing with that, I want to have diversity. I don't want my closet to be just retro-looking or appearing as if I just came off the set of Mad Men. I want to capture a more rural European look, as if I'm walking on the cobble stron streets in Zurich or croissant shopping in Calais. And it's much easier when I have these following pictures to gain inspiration.

March Playlist

With Spring just around the corner, music has a way of setting a mood and creating an ambiance. Filled with beats reminiscent of summer and feeling the sunshine on my face, here are my 50 songs I'm listening to this month.

1. Love Came Down—Bethel

2. Switzerland—Bison

3. Everlasting Girl—The Black Keys

4. Here Sometimes—Blonde Redhead

5. Bon Iver’s self-titled album

6. Indifference—Café Accordion Orchestra

7. Barton Hallow—The Civil Wars

8. Princess of China—Coldplay

9. We are Young—Fun.

10. Diet Mountain Dew—Lana Del Rey

11. Help, I’m Alive—Metric

12. Everything About you—One Direction

13. Lullaby—OneRepublic

14. Mouthful of Diamonds—Phantogram

15. OceanGold—Riley and the Roxies

16. Breakeven (Falling to Pieces)—The Script

17. Whiplash—Selena Gomez

18. Dead Hearts—Stars

19. Something Good Can Work—Two Door Cinema Club

20. Houdini—Foster the People

21. Make Us Ready—Harvest Bashta

22. Furious—Bethel

23. Siberia—LIGHTS

24. All or Nothing—MuteMath

25. Tapioca—New Navy

tumblr

Hello dear readers! If any of you have a tumblr, follow me: aquietspirit.tumblr.com. I love blogging and sharing my thoughts with you (hopefully, many of you get something from what you read--positive, of course), but I also enjoy blogging through tumblr too. If you follow me, perhaps I'll follow back ;)

I Adore European Style, Like Crazy

Warning: If you haven't watched the movie yet, this post may reveal spoilers. Read at your own discretion.

I've recently watched the film Like Crazy and I think I've developed a new passion for European fashion, all thanks to Felicity Jones and her character, Anna. While the film seems boring and slow-paced (not every movie that involves romantic development includes having pompous story lines with superficial dialogue), the fashion certainly captured my attention. Anna's style begins to truly blossom after she's back in the UK, when her European roots begin to rise up. I've been to partial to European fashion--with the simple, effortless, and classic lines, what's not to like? I've even gone to making a list of clothes to buy to emulate her style because it's just that cool. At first, it was similar to Urban Outfitters-esque look, what with the indie and relatively hipster appeal, but once in the UK, I was like, dang, I need her wardrobe.
So, if you're like me and prefer a more European spice in your wardrobe or just prefer the look that it gives, I found these following pieces essential to having a cool European style. (I feel as though I've used that word so many times, I'm growing redundant. Which means I'm overdue on reading literature.)
Seeing this movie revives my passion to visit Europe, but most importantly, visit Europe. I want to visit rural France, lavish in the Swiss culture, and indulge myself in Italian cookies.
Back to fashion.

See what I mean? She displays the Euro cool, with her striped tees and gray jumpers. I just want to raid her closet and have it explode with various prints, colors, and designs. The things I would do if I had tons of cash to spend in Europe. The thing that I truly admire about her character is that she isn't exactly high upper class nor is she part of the lower middle class because she is the everywoman and yet, she displays such effortless cool.

1.

Classic black denim is slimming, classic, and different than the regular blue hues.

Classic ballet flats in creme are a nice twist on the typical white and yet they still personify chicness

A simple crew neck gray sweater is warm during the chilly fall and winter months, fashionable when seated indoors, and it's different from a black or white jumper (p.s. jumper, I believe, means a sweater in British slang; it's not the pantsuit).

A cappuccino-hued messenger bag is the only accessory you need. Apart from sunglasses and a piece of jewelry, it speaks for itself.

There really is no place like home, and with these fashionable footwear, wherever you walk will be like home due to its aesthetic appeal and comfort.

A saddle cross-body bag is the perfect alternative to the messenger bag since it drapes across the body, freeing both of your hands. Plus, it looks good.

No closet is complete without a classic, Breton-cut striped shirt. Every time I've gone to Europe, I have always seen someone wearing one, whether it's in different colors, thicker or thinner stripes, or alternating hues.

A pair of cropped trousers (preferably with a thin belt) is casual without it looking sloppy, but dressy enough that you look dressy without being over the top and exudes an aura of professionalism.

You can even alternate between these garments to produce different outfits. Because really, you only need a few key pieces of thinking. With the fickle trends, there are some things that never go out of style and I believe that these will never go out of style and transcends culture and era.

Lie to Me

Has anyone seen the recently cancelled show Lie to Me? No? Well, you are certainly missing out. Essentially, the premise is that Dr. Cal Lightman is a detection expert who can spot lies in micro expressions, facial expressions, and use of language to determine the relationship between the person and whom he's referring to. At first, I thought it was going to be a show that offered little scientific evidence to back it up, but surprisingly, the science is 90% accurate. From a psychologist's point of view, this was grossly fascinating, because before seeing this show, I never realized that detecting liars was a science. But it is! And now I can truly say that it is truly educational. Don't believe me? I've made some notes. Now, before reading them, you should know that there are certain mannerisms that can be characterized as "lying" (like playing with your ear or scratching your nose) since some people can do that on a regular basis and is not a good platform to accuse someone of lying if it's in their personality to perform such acts. That is why I advise that you separate mannerisms with a deception leakage. Keep in mind, also, that these are my notes and that they're roughly done, but seriously, if you think about it and think about the people you know, you can utilize it to see if your friends are lying to you. (These notes came in handy more than once.)

·       Lip curl, forced eye contact is an indication of lying

·       Pupils dilating signifies arousal

·       Holding breath can mean tension or being upset, or trying to hide something

·       The average person tells 3 lies per 10 minute conversation

·       One shouldered shrug means you have no confidence in what you just said = lying

·       If someone acts surprised and it lasts for a second, it’s genuine; if it’s more than one second, it’s lying

·       When asked a question and shifts eyes to the left, it indicates that one is recalling a memory

·       When a person is asked a question and uses his finger to scratch his nose, he’s lying

·       When concealing something, a person will go from using direct language (her, she, Mrs., her actual name, etc.) to distancing language (that woman)

·       When you’re lying, it’s hard to tell a story backwards (since liars rehearse their stories in order)

·       Covering your head is a sign of deep shame

·       Wrinkles around the eyes when smiling indicates that it’s genuine

·       Extreme fear triggers coldness and clamminess in the hands

·       Person’s eyebrows go up when they know the answer to the question

·       Stepping backwards means you don’t believe a word you just said

·       Lip purse indicates lack of confidence in your words

·       Arson and rape are correlated crimes because they are about control

·       Word repetition and vocal pitch rises when lying

·       When a person’s face is not symmetrical on both sides of the face, it’s likely that they are pretending to feel emotion

·       When a person caresses their own hand, it’s a sign to reassure yourself when you don’t really believe what you’re saying

·       Eye fluttering means the person is hiding something

·       Repetition and hesitance when speaking indicates difficulty processing one’s words, which means lying

·       When talking or speaking, when eyes look down, it indicates shame

·       When a person shifts constantly between verbs tenses, it’s an indication of lying

·       The main components of a deranged person is constant criticism and lack of affection

A Day in the Sun

With Spring Break less than a week away here in the U.S., many college students are preparing to flock home, or for those more fortunate, pack their suitcases to enjoy the sunny beaches of Mexico, Florida, even Hawaii. I am fortunate enough to fly down south for the week and enjoy nothing more than sunny weather, beach, and spend some time with the family. However, that does not mean that fashion sense should be slacking. For those reading this who are also flying somewhere for break, allow me to help you and assist in packing what should be essentials for beach trekking...and for showing off that tan...

1. A beach tote. A beach tote is essential because when you're at the beach, you don't want to be lugging around a heavy bag with long straps. Instead, opt for a chic and smaller bag that fits exactly what you need. This cute tote from Kate Spade allows you to show off your arms while looking fashionable while doing it.

2. Open-toed flats. Every girl should have a pair of these in her closets where she can pull them out when the weather heats up. The nice thing about these specific design of flats is that it allows your feet to breathe while still looking nice. Let's face it: summer months can be smelly if feet are constantly in shoes that don't allow them to breathe. Plus, with a pedicure, tu est une belle tres belle. 

3. A straw fedora. You not only protect your hair from harmful UV rays, but it helps cover up those flyaway hairs. Plus, after drying your hair from the water and if your hair looks like a mess, it's a chic cover up. 

 4. Gladiator sandals. They are more comfortable than flip-flops (especially if they have genuine leather soles or some sort of comfortable sole), and they amp up any outfit. A simple t-shirt and shorts ensemble looks way different with a pair of gladiator sandals.

 5. A cute floral dress. A tropical vacation is synonymous with floral dresses. A chica needs one on her voyage. They work day or night too. Wear in the day with gladiator sandals or wear it in the evening with a pair of nice flats. Ooh...

6. A pair of sunglasses. Girl, you need to protect your eyes from the sun so that you don't get premature wrinkles. Invest in a pair of Ray-Bans. They not only provide UV protection but the majority of them have polarized lens too. And you'll look hot while doing it too.

7. To cover up your bathing suit while transitioning from the beach to the fro-yo stand to the mall, a cute romper is the way to go.

8. White shorts. They emphasize your tan to look even darker. Need I say more?

9. A tribal tee. Mixing things up while on vacation is a nice way to stand out among those opting for a boho style. Urban Outfitters has the best tees.

Why Attending a Christian University is Right for Me

I've heard all the popular statements: "God wants me to be a light in a dark world", "why wouldn't God want me to go to a secular university?", and "I can still be a Christian in an unfavorable un-Christian setting." While those utterances may be necessarily true, it might not be the best decision. Why, you may ask? I'm glad you asked, but I've been itching to tell you why.
First of all, there is something about united with fellow believers that makes you more confident and secure in your faith. When you are surrounded by a community that years to grow and thrive in Christ as you do, it does something in your soul. It makes you come alive. Just last night, a good friend of mine came in and we talked about some personal stuff. After diving just a tad deeper, I encouraged her, telling that Jesus is your Prince and that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Then, my roommate and I prayed for her in our room at one o'clock in the morning. And Jesus was there. He showed up; His presence clouded the atmosphere. We laid hands on her, confessing healing and emotional restoration, and it was such a wonderful moment. You can't get that at a secular university: when you feel anything other than good or joyful, people are more than willing to pray for or with you, and listen to you. They want to help you. They want to shower love over you. When I feel low and need some spiritual boosting, I ask my roommate to pray for me, and you know what? I feel more energized than had I been if I drank 3 Red Bull's.
Second, there is an on-campus chapel service for undergrad and I like it more than the church service back home. It's sad, but it's true. Why? Because it's alive. The worship prompts you to worship the King truthfully and honestly. It helps that the songs they sing are annointed. The chamberlain of the chapel speaks truth and vitality on everyone, and it just ignites a fire in you. People speak, they see visions, they speak healing over those who need it, and they bring words of encouragement. Not a week goes by when I don't want to go to Unchapel. It's simply not enough that I know Jesus and know the Bible; it's a different thing entirely when I experience it firsthand with a force as powerful as a surging wave.
That all being said, it really all depends which Christian university you attend. There are many Christian colleges and some of them may be academically rigorous but lacking the spiritual rigor and thirst and others may have the latter but not the former. I'm privileged to attend a school that has both, and let me tell you, I will never be the same because of that.

Maturity or Age?

Since coming to college, I've realized something that to many may perhaps can come across as a fact, but when it pertains to dating in college, people don't necessarily look at age; they look at maturity. Especially when it's at a small school (or not a state college), people often look at maturity levels, not age. Because, let's face it, people that are old are not necessarily mature or wise. Some people are more mature than others, which is why age should not be a stumbling block in that regards.

Survive or Thrive?

Recently, a peer posted on his Facebook that the body of Christ should survive, not thrive. Now, I looked at it, stared at it for a while, and pondered responding to it. Then, I concluded, he wouldn't care. I mean, sometimes, I think people say stuff just to say that they're saying philosophical words without really taking the time to mull over their words.
"And so the body of Christ should survive, not thrive."
Okay, first of all, I hope you realize that there are countless Scriptures regarding the blessings God promises to His children (the Abrahamic covenant, the Mosaic covenant, and the Davidic covenant are a few prominent ones). People that survive aren't given blessings to be lavished, because when you think about, why are we given blessings? Do they serve a greater purpose? To present a political standing? To rebuff popular opinion? It's neither. It's to show love. Ergo, God loves us and subsequently blesses us. Now think of people who need to survive. What usually comes to mind? In North America, it's people below the economic quota (such as the homeless, the sick who aren't able to receive the proper medical attention, immigrants [if you wonder how I can this, you should know that my family was immigrants in Canada and lived less than what people make in one day's work on minimum wage], and sometimes, foolish and reckless people. They resort to desperate measures to make ends meet. People that thrive rest in promises and certainty. That being said, is that really what the body of Christ wants to paint to the world, that we are people desperately trying to make ends meet? That we are the average, if not below the status quota, and that we are the people that need people's help? Or should be rival Donald Trump's assets, give abundantly to those who need help, and stretch our hands and help because we have the financial possibilities? Survival is often an adapted mindset, forced by uncomely circumstances. Serving Jesus isn't adapting to unmerciful circumstances and being forced to deal with it. Perhaps the reason why people don't give Christians a time of day in regards to financial matters is because we ourselves don't believe it first. How can we portray something we don't believe in? The problem starts with the Church. If they first change the way they perceive certain things, then they will have a greater chance of witnessing to people because when you have tangible facts backing up your belief, it's hard to argue with it.

5 Myths About Christianity

Readers, whether or not you worship Christ, or even another religious deity, it's unfortunate to say that there is a misconception regarding Christianity. There are so many myths and fallacies that people wonder why it's such a heavily scrutinized religion. And while there are plenty other reasons (another post, another day), part of the reason is that there are certain presumptions about Christianity that make people second guess. And, to be perfectly clear, since I am a Christian and love Jesus, I want to highlight them to expose that while there are imperfect people, God is a perfect God who can take even the most immalleable clay and make something beautiful with form.

1. Christians are perfect and have no need to lean, depend, and trust God once they make Him Lord of everything. That is the most incorrigible rubbish! In fact, that is perhaps the biggest lie people have about non-believers. Let me be perfectly clear: The process of receiving Christ does not make your problems "magically" disappear. In fact, it may arouse the opposing effect; you may encounter more problems because you pose a threat to the devil. The reason why people need and want God is because they realize that without Him, things are never going to go smoothly, life will never be not chaos, and that pit will never grow smaller unless they seek Help, Help that is much bigger than the problem itself. Christians are imperfect people and God works and molds that imperfection to create something beautiful, to put it on display. A Christian are an imperfect person that recognize their flaws and sees the need to change that flaw. The main point is that while everyone has problems, it's how they rise above their problems that counts...and who ends up victorious in the end.

2. Your theology is not your God. There is a big one. Theology, according to a definition, is the study of God and religious belief. Your theology is not whom you serve. Theology allows you to understand the nature of God. For example, in the Christian theology, God is depicted as a Father (to show His kind nature), as a King (to show His holiness and sovereign standard), and Creator (who divinely created the universe for human inhabitation) are a few that allow mere humans to understand the essence of God. It's difficult to wrap our minds around a sovereign and holy being, but, with tangible metaphors, such as father and ruler, one can begin to grasp the character of God. However, that does not mean you worship your theology. It's difficult to differentiate between the two, but one must be able to distinguish what's one theology and what is the God that he serves.

3. (Unfortunately) Christians do speak Christianeze. In case you're wondering, there is a "special" language in Christianity that allows Christians to speak worldly without appearing so. Let me give a scant list:

We should pray together = I want to gossip
Would God approve of that? = [a condescending way of saying] That is not okay
I have an impression upon my heart = I have a problem/thought
As I was praying for you, I had a feeling/thought. Is there something on your mind/heart? = a subtle way of asking personal matters
We should band together = We need to band together to appear as the majority

It's an unfortunate reality. So, be warned.

4. All Christians are the same. Au contraire, depending on the denomination, you will be led to believe certain things that other denominations do or not believe. For example, Baptists do not believe in the moving of the Holy Spirit while Pentecostals are more liberated to activate the presence of the Holy Spirit. Presbyterians lean more towards on the traditional/conservative side, while Pentecostals are much more liberal. It really all depends on the denomination, which in turn, depends on your personality and which suits you better, but I assure you that every Christian is not the same.

5. Christians are not cool. As a Christian, I can defend that position by rebuffing and saying that Christians are, in fact, cool. If a person bases Christianity based on people, rather than who that person serves, then it's not a proper assessment. Christian people are the coolest people ever because not only do they go to Heaven, but they also get access to God's covenant and blessing. What isn't cool about that?

I hope this enlightens you and that you all see Christianity not fundamentally as a religion with regulations, rules, and commands, but as a deep, intimate, and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The 10 Rules of Modesty

If you're like me, you wonder why there is a severe lack of modesty, why the media is determine to indoctrinate women of America that the only way to attract a man is to express more than you should, and why behaving less than comely is not only seductive but ultimately the very thing that makes you a woman. Why are all the shows so explicit that the main female protagonist meets with the main male, have a good connection and click almost instantly, and then, half an hour later, they're seen in bed. Why? Has the world lost the sense of mystery, the art of the chase, and mastering of being coy? Apparently, it appears to be so. People now assume that the woman is supposed to chase the guy. (I must state that I am belittling the rise of feminism; I'm simply stating that every woman loves to chased, to know that a guy is pining after her.) People also assume that if you dress more provocatively, you will have more guys. While that is more or less true, are you attracting the type of men you would want as a husband? Or as a father?
Here are my rules of modesty. These are simply my own opinions accumulated by a plethora of extensive reading.

1. How you dress does determine your morale.
I know this is something that not everyone likes to hear, but how you chose to clothe yourself determines a part of your identity. It reflects a mirror image of who you are. If you dress with a lot of cleavage, short shorts that may expose part of your butt, you may have males following you around like a dog pants on a hot summer day, but ask yourself: What type of man am I trying to attract when I dress like this? Is this the type of man I can depend on? Have children with? Provide for me and my family? People judge you by how you dress. It is sad and unfortunate, but it is nonetheless the truth.

2. Respect yourself.
This ties in closely with number one. Have respect for yourself. Respect yourself with such profundity that you wouldn't dare expose that much of your chest, raise the hemline that it nearly exposes your bum, or would cause older gentleman to cultivate unnatural thoughts. When you have respect for yourself, people can see. In fact, a girl that has profound respect for herself is much more attractive that a trashy slut. Why? Because she knows who she is and there is no one that can tell her otherwise. And she also knows what she can and cannot do.

3. Be confident.
Again, this parallels one and two. When you are 100% confident in your identity and who you are a person, my, it is a fearsome thing to behold. Confident girls don't need to trashy clothes to attract men; they don't need filthy language to gain attention; and they certainly do not need to behave not like themselves to receive attention. Stand with your shoulders upright. Speak clearly and with crisp enunciation. Confidence is sexy. I'm sure you've all heard that expression before. Well, it's true. When a women wears something with confidence...watch out. She is the type of woman who knows where she stands and will stand for it. Guys want that.

4. Be mysterious.
Less is more indeed. When you don't reveal anything all at once, a guy thinks, "Wow, I want to more," and thus initiates a chase. There is so much more to you that meets the guy and because you reveal only a handful, you are leaving in suspense and he wants to discover more of you. This is the type of chase you want to have.

5. Behave like a lady.
This is really important. Don't burp in public. Don't fart. Don't attract unwanted attention to yourself by picking your teeth, itching your bum, or something else that may potentially be embarrassing down the road. Say please and thank you. Open the doors for elders. Use flatware properly. Stand straight. Sit correctly. When you behave like a lady, a proper lady, there is an aura about you that cannot be missed. Perhaps the Victorians were onto something when they had strict rules about etiquette. Again, there are some extremes, but when you behave comely, you gain proper attention that leaves the gentlemen in the room wondering who you are.

6. Be interesting. 
Translation: be yourself. However, this comes with a twist. Do something fascinating. Take a pottery class. Skydive. Travel the world. Go to Atacama Desert in Chile. Visit the Swiss Alps. Do something that not everyone does.

7. Be a kind spirit.
This is perhaps the best thing you can do without ever using your tongue. When you are kind and warm and soft (in terms of personality), people are drawn to you. There is something about you that reins them in, akin to a magnetic pull. They want to know you. They want to spend more time with you.

8. Take pride in your looks.
This should not be taken out of context. This simply means that work with what you've got and flaunt it! If you have darker skin, wear designs with lighter colors. If you are Latin, use that to your advantage. IF you have fair, porcelein-like skin, wear red lipstick so that it stands out again your lovely complexion. Make your features stand out (in a good way!). You only have one face, one body; cherish it and illuminate beauty.

9. Do not chase the guy under any circumstances whatsoever.
This is hard because when girls have their eyes set on a specific fellow, they want to be around him, talk to him, and be with him. You should definitely show interest (smile at him, laugh at his jokes [if they are somewhat funny], compliment him), but you should not be the one who is chasing him or pursing him. You can show interest but still be indifferent. That causes the guy to wonder if you like him, sparking a series of events that often results in your favor. Leave him wondering. Compel him in such a way that he feels like he has the need to do something in order for you to clarify your feelings for him.

10. Clean language.
There is no bigger turn-off for a guy (beside hygiene) than foul language. There is no need for that. There are many other words in the dictionary that would better fit the context of your conversation.

Does Geography Define Your Identity?

I've recently struggled with this question. I was recently told, for bizarre reasons, that I am not good enough in a specific criteria simply because I am Eastern European. He didn't even take in account of my qualities, my strengths, my talents...nothing. He simply dismissed it and assessed that because I am Romanian, I'm not good enough. Now, I haven't lived in Romania since I was 2, so I can't really say that I am 100% Romanian in the sense that I've been saturated in the culture; I know the language, was born in the country, and speak fluent Romanian. Is that a good enough reason to render less than worthy? Is my geographic origin a reason why you see me less than a human being?
Jesus is a Jew; He was born in Israel. He has dark hair, dark eyes, and dark skin, and ministered in present-day Middle East. He wasn't American with light skin and blue eyes. So perhaps the next time you make a potentially racist comment, think about the fact that you not only harbour acrimony towards African-Americans and Eastern Europeans, but perhaps you don't like the fact that the Jesus you serve was a dark-skinned, eyed, and haired Jew, something that evidently clashes your theology.
Deal with that.