(Originally written: 2/25/07)

Let’s be blunt: I want stuff to happen, and I’ll generally do my darndest to make it happen—as long as the means are morally permissible, of course. Three examples will suffice.

A bride may await me, someone who I do not know, someone who is eager to accept the proposal and draw up the contract that will legally define our relationship. I don't know what to think, where will she live? I have no means to support her, I can barely support myself right now as a student. I hope this is nothing more than talk, and nothing that may become reality, but I have a photo of her, I'm single now, but what to do?

Baraka Bob aside, there are few guys ready to appreciate black progressive musician/writer/imams, even if they do belly dance and even cook on occaision. With my last ex, however, I've learned to add one more item to the list of things my guy must have. It's something I took for granted while in my hometown, but now that I've lived outside of Philadelphia, I am realizing the importance of home training. For the uninitiated, I'll explain: home training encompasses all the practices and values that a well-brought up person should have. It starts with etiquette, but goes on to civic responsibilty, and generally being the best child, grandchild, parent, spouse, partner, neighbor, stranger, whatever you can be. 

OK Ilan killed the personal ads idea, so I shan't be playing auntie for anyone on PI.org. I still think we should have a discussion on progressive Muslims finding mates that are spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually compatible (among other things). Marriage isn't the same as it was when our grandparents were getting hitched, and for those of us who have multifaith families, we've got several traditions/forms of baggage to handle. Let's talk about love, people!

My new PI.org name is Fashion Mujahid. I plan to offer something on the Fashion Jihad in a bit, I'm thinking something along the lines of selecting one's best colors. Stay tuned, and be beautiful to yourself.

So I've changed my mind about moderating a personals section on PI.org, I think it might be pretty cool (read: I'm trying to get someone I know hooked up with a "nice progressive Muslim guy"). A pinch of Eharmony, a smidgen of Naseeb, and a swirl of the PI.org patented-  zaniness should do it, but what do you want? I'll tell you what I'm heartily sick of:

1. Guys on matrimonial sites for booty calls. If you want some NSA sex, that's none of my business, but they've got no business trying to pull girls who are the "marrying kind" into it. The last guy I dated pulled that mess, I don't need to go through it again. Heck, nobody needs to go through that.