I have a best friend that has so many traits I'd like in a partner. And I'm grateful for that because...

It keeps me open to the contrasting differences a potential partner may have from me. And not just our similarities

I don't need those similarities shared romantically like I thought I did

I just need them shared regardless of it's initial connection. And that happens to be with my friend

While we have similar traits, we have also have fundamental goals and beliefs that don't align with our journeys of what we want in a partner

Which I'm glad for. It keeps me grounded in reality

Now I'm more open-minded and interested to how a potential partner is different from me.

In what ways are they not like me?

But regardless of how romantic love comes my way, I'm just glad my friendships helped me learn more about myself and what I truly want in life

Instead of just an ideal that I've been grasping onto