Don’t let ‘the one’ dictate how you like your eggs

I always remember the scene from Runaway Bride (not a classic, but good enough) where Julia Roberts tells Richard Gere that the way she prefers her eggs cooked has always depended on who she is in a relationship with at the time. She was still not sure how she truly liked them cooked.

Last week, I changed the oil and air filter in my car, added coolant and made sure my tire pressure was just right.

I did this all by myself.

It is something I have known how to do for years, but recently stopped practicing. It was not out of laziness or forgetfulness. Simply put, I expected my boyfriend to do it. He is the man, right?

In today's world, women say they want to be treated as equals. The truth is, we want to be treated better than that. We want our happiness to be our knights' sole purpose.

In the process, however, the need for chivalry seems to allow over-dependency to settle in.

Think about it. How many times have you nagged your boyfriend for not doing something that you are perfectly capable of doing? Eventually, the task never gets done or is done after excessive bickering.

I still consider myself to be quite an independent woman, but much of my lifestyle — my love for dancing, my schedule, my friendships with the opposite sex — has been altered.

He did not thread the needle on this one, however. The alteration was started and completed by me. Only me.

If I did it subconsciously, unconsciously, willingly or whatever other "-ly" word I can think of, it still does not change the fact that it was done independent-ly.

In many of the modern romantic comedies, like the movie He's Just Not That Into You, the female characters realize that they are unlucky in love because they chose not to value themselves the way they should.

Putting your best foot forward in the beginning of a relationship is normal. However, allowing your imperfections and differences with your mate to still be a part of that "honeymoon" phase should be your objective. Should they disagree that these characteristics are acceptable, believe that they will eventually accept them or at least provide a healthy compromise.

Should they chose not to and you continue to mask your natural characteristics and tastes, you may eventually come to find out you no longer have your own favorite way to eat eggs.

In the end, all you will be left with is a shell of who you could have become.

For men, following the footsteps of your first really hot girlfriend may lead to the desertion of your friends, family and self-control. Make sure that really hot girlfriend is willing to spend time with your family and friends in between the flat-ironing sessions.

For women, supporting the first boyfriend you consider to be "the one" may lead to the desertion of your friends, family and self-regard. Make sure the boyfriend you consider to be "the one" is willing to support you just as hard and just as intensely as you have for him.

So, shake it up and no matter how you like them cooked, make sure there are two eggs in that pan.

Scrambled. I like my eggs scrambled.