What the 'Bad Boy' Taught Me

My parents were not strict when it comes to my friendships. They let us freely choose the people we want to be friends with, trusting that we are smart enough to know who the trust-worthy ones are. They also let us freely choose the person we get to like. Maybe I am just one of the lucky ones who get to open up with my parents.

But, I will never forget what my mom told me when it comes to the person we should spend the rest of our lives with: "Choose the good one." I held that in my heart since, and I was decided to look for the person my mom wanted for me.

Fast-forward to a few years later, I met different guys - both good and bad. I don't know how you define bad, but in this generation, it means 'someone who doesn't stick to the rules and who flows in a different current'.

I met one... and, I eventually fell in love with him. Then I realized, it's a lot easier to hold on to a promise when you're younger.

When you become aware of the world outside your comfort zone, something in you becomes liberal. After I turned 18, I thought freedom was already in my hands - that I can do everything that I want from dating to getting drunk. I am thankful though that I was more of a homebody than a party girl. I would like to believe I was handling my freedom well, until I fell head over heels with the 'bad boy'.

I knew even from the start it was wrong to choose the 'bad boy'. But looking back, I realized... the 'bad boy' still taught me a lot - from getting outside my shell to discovering the world beyond the haven I created only for myself.

So, to all the girls who fell in love with the wrong guy, whether you are still together or not, still be thankful because the 'bad boy' taught us these things:

1. Take risks. I was always playing on the safe side, but ever since I fell in love with the 'bad boy', I did things I never imagined I could.

2. Be patient. It takes an understanding woman to handle the mood swings of a 'bad boy'. And yes, it takes a lot of patience.

3. Enjoy every moment. The 'bad boy' just wants to have fun. And whenever you are with him, you just have to enjoy every bit of it.

4. Appreciate the little things. 'Bad boys' usually don't go the extra mile and put too much effort. They will give you simple compliments, or a phone call when you least expect it. You appreciate those little things, even if you know deep down you deserve more than just that.

5. Never expect anything. Since it is very seldom for a 'bad boy' to plan extravagant date nights or surprises, you're left expecting less.

6. Be content with what the two of you have. You're not expecting much, so you deal with what you have. Sometimes, you get confused about his feelings for you, most especially when he starts acting up... but you ALWAYS choose to think you two are fine. And that it's just a phase he has to go through (everyday?).

7. Hide your feelings. The 'bad boy' gives us lots of headache and heartache, but because we love him, we learn how to conceal the pain we are feeling. I am guilty. At some point, I had to master the art of 'pretending'.

8. Never regret anything. You could've chosen the 'good one' but you fell for the 'bad boy' instead. You've sacrificed a lot and now you think it is not worth it. But there is no point in regretting because you still learned... and you learned a lot from the 'bad boy'.

We have different stories to tell about the 'bad boy' we once fell in love with. He made us cry and disappointed us too many times. He stood us up and left us waiting. He was not gentlemanly enough to help us with our errands. He did not open doors for us. He slept when we were supposed to have a date. He always chose what will be easy for him. He had things HIS WAY, ALWAYS.

But he also made us laugh, made us smile with his sweet compliments and reminded us how beautiful we are. He kissed our forehead when we fell asleep, and taught us to be strong. He made us happy.

And so because of this, I would want to believe 'bad boys' are good people with bad habits. And I think it only takes the right girl to unleash the good person in the 'bad boy' a little more often.