After all this time...ALWAYS

 After all this time ... ALWAYS

Classic Harry Potter quote with a lot of meaning!!!

      This simple quote speaks words of wisdom to those of us in relationships whether it be long distance, long term, or married. To me  this quote simply amplifies the fact that even after years and years of being together they still  have those feelings they had from the beginning and forever will. I am a true believer in fairy tale love. I don't believe in all these stupid ideas about being with someone for so long can take the love out of a relationship. That you can get bored with someone you love. That arguing is a way of showing you love someone. Don't get me wrong its completely possible to feel all of these things when you don't put in the effort (from both parties) to make a difference. I can only tell you things from my point of view so here it is:

      My boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years, 5 months and 12 days.. I can honestly say that within those years we have raised our voices and not talked to each other maybe once. We are not the couple for arguing or throwing fits (even though I do sometimes, he handles them well). In my previous relationship which was also long term (almost 6 years), I struggled to find ways to keep things fresh, not to get bored and to stay interested and level headed. But I found out through much trial and error that when you are truly in love you don't have to over-think these things because they come naturally. You are always wanted to make the other person happy, cheer them up and do all the dorky romantic stuff you see in the movies for them. My rule of thumb has always been if I feel like I am not being romanticized enough: What have I done romantic for him lately?? 

That's when the mush fest begins: 

1. Its true that you don't have to BUY things to have a good time... Examples:

• George had me a indoor picnic during Christmas time under an all white Christmas tree with candles and all the random food in the kitchen (chicken strips, chips, biscuits)

• I took time out of my day to like almost every picture or status on his Facebook page, I even messaged him and wrote on his wall.

• We send random e-mails or cards to each other without letting the other person know so they are surprised.

2. Keep conversation fresh... Examples:

• We have a very forgetful memory so we take time out to ask each other questions, kind of like the "21 Questions" Game
• We find books or TV shows that we can talk about together: Our favorite show is Vampire Diaries and we openly discuss the 50 Shades of Grey and his hatred for Harry Potter. 
• We plan the future theoretically by asking questions: "What kind of house do you want?" "Where do you want to live?" WHY? (that always kicks are conversations into gear.)

3. We have an understanding that arguing will be a waste of our energy and we are too lazy for that!! Why scream and yell when the whole point of us talking to each other is to listen?!

4. Reminisce... Yes, we often ponder back on things we did when we first got together such as our first kiss, first time going to the fair, etc. Its always fun and interesting to compare stories and memories. (We found out that I focus I minor detailed things whereas he sees the big picture event)

5. Always find time to tell the person how much you love them... whether you buy them roses and a card or simply send a text... NEVER FORGET THE SMALL THINGS! 

Well, I think I have babbled on enough about what we do... I hope this helps someone to keep the LOVE alive. Cause I don't know about you but I want my kids to be able to use me as their prime example to what love really looks like!!! :)

Keep it Classy, XOXO

Beautiful (random small thing: He has called me by this nickname since we first started dating and I told him I really loved that adjective :D )

My D-Xirable Ladies!!!

      People ask me all the time, "Now what is the name of your sorority?!" Well I am a member of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. We are the LARGEST and ONLY Multicultural Sorority in the SEC and at Mississippi State University! As an African American student I get crazy looks all the time... you know that look you just gave me when I said I was African American and you immediately went back to make sure I didn't misspell Delta Sigma Theta. LOL! That is fine! I get it a lot at home, on campus, church, etc. It is a small organization and it most definitely isn't for those T-Shirt Wearing Members (those people who join organizations just to say they are in it and put it on an application)! We battle a lot as a "different" kind of Greek organization in the south: Work overload, crazy stares, belief that we really aren't a Greek organization, and did I mention the crazy stares?!

WORK OVERLOAD
    People often see me or my sorority sisters looking like we are about to drown in work... Well usually we are! Or we may seem like we want to just strangle each other... We absolutely do! But our trademark saying for Gamma Chapter of Delta Xi Phi is "What you see is what you get!" We don't try to pretend like everyday is like running through a field of yellow roses into the sunset! We work tremendously hard!! We are who we are! No I don't get along with all my sisters on a daily basis... Hence the word "sisters". We truly are the epitome of a family! Some days we love to be around each and other days with love to give each other the blank stare (-___-)! Also as a small Greek organization a lot of work is spread among a small amount of already overly busy people! So every person has to step up and no one is ever allowed to rest on the job (which is a 24/7 job)! But at the end of the day, its love and we know we would do anything for each other and our organization!

FALSE BELIEF
   We get underestimated a lot! We are a Social Greek Organization like everyone else. We accept people no matter their COLOR, CREED, CULTURE or RELIGION. Its the main focus of our organization!!!  Yes, we are the group of girls that most people never thought would ever become Greek! We support each others' decisions no matter how different they may be from our personal beliefs! We have chapters NATIONWIDE! We have a National Board and an abundance of still active alumnae! We do wear Greek Letter jackets, stroll (varies from chapter to chapter), have special sisters only information and we RUSH (also differs from chapter to chapter). We are GREEK! We are REAL! 

LOOKS
    I won't even write much in this section because I think I made my point in the opening paragraph. As a different organization we get a lot of strange glares. You know, that look like "You are not really serious?" or "That's an honors group, right?!" or just "WHY?!" True! I could have chosen any other organization in the Divine 9 (just using this as an example cause I am African American and that's where my crazy looks stem from. "Shaughnessy, Why didn't you join a historic Greek organization?! You would have gotten further with them." <--- Yes, I have been told this before!), but I chose  DXP! Just like any other Sorority Lady chose their Organization over another. I just felt at home with these ladies! :)

Anywhoo! I thought I would write about one of the BEST decisions I have ever made in my life and I hope everyone makes a decision that is right for them! 

Whatever you do, in college, GO GREEK!!! Its totally FUN!!! ;)