Date a dancer

Date a girl who loves books. A girl who spends more time reading than shopping. The one smelling the pages in the used bookstore - definitely buy her a cup of tea, and pretend you've read Murakami. Compliment her skirt, she's wearing it because she loves it.

Date a girl who knows how to make bread - or is at least willing to try. A girl who owns an apron but forgets and wipes flour on her jeans. Who says she wants constructive criticism but might still take it badly. Who will cycle to the supermarket at 2am because she urgently needs mini-marshmallows. Wander behind the one who wanders into churches and temples, sit quietly beside her, don't pretend you know the prayers.

Date a girl who loves the ocean and planetariums, and has never been in a tanning booth. Someone who loves to be barefoot but finds meditation really hard. Date someone who's eyes sparkle when it snows, and who regresses ten years when she has a stuffy nose - she'll make you feel like a hero for bringing chicken soup.

Be sure to date a girl who can't help but try to finish your sentences, and runs all her own together so you can hardly get a word in edge-ways when she's excited. This way you may be irritated but at least your days will be filled with stories, and you'll start to see more animals and fruit-shapes in the clouds.

Date a girl who has tried to play an instrument, who has given up on being responsible with money, and who will feed you breakfast and pretend that she's ok with you having lunch with an old flame. Find the one who takes promises seriously and so tries not to make them.

Date a girl who will happily climb in the window when there are no front door keys, who feels bad about killing even ugly insects, and who thinks nothing of peeing in a hole in the forest while camping. The one who always wins Scrabble, loses at Monopoly, and can never remember the rules for chess. Bonus points for finding one who thinks she's great at video games and/or tennis.

Date a girl who's had lots of jobs and few regrets. Be sure to share yours with her. Go for the girl who carries a little swiss army knife everywhere and forgets about jewelery. Go for a girl with more photo albums and scrapbooks than purses.

Date a girl who's not afraid to dance.

One who'll take your hand and make you do it with her. Then tell you you're a terrible dancer, but with such a charming smile that you don't really mind, and dance harder just to make her laugh.