Would you date/marry yourself?

Yesterday I was reading an article about newlyweds and one of the questions that caught my attention was would you marry yourself? I sat back in my chair and instantly said no but then had to think about it. I would marry me but I wouldn’t date me. I’ve grown to learn that there is a difference. I wouldn’t date me because I was too private and very stand-offish. In fact, I think in all my relationships, including my current, I have been told that I’m not affectionate enough or don’t talk enough. Before I got married, I never understood why that was a problem. I wasn’t that woman that talked too much or cried or was lovey-dovey all the time. I listened, kept feelings to myself before revealing them, didn’t jump to conclusions, wasn’t jealous----all the things I thought men wanted. Hell, I don’t like seeing other women like that. I don’t even like crying just be myself, let alone in front of someone. I found that I was partially wrong. To them, I was cold hearted, didn’t show any feelings so they didn’t know if I truly liked/loved them. I didn’t really open up about me so they felt I was either hiding something or too mysterious to be in a relationship. These comments still baffle me but that’s how I was. I never wanted to get married but I always thought I would be a good wife and mother. I can cook, I’m maternal, I can have a warm bath towel ready for my husband when he gets the shower, I can clean (I despise it though), I’m supportive, a good listener and open minded. I’m not jealous hearted or loud or time consuming or needy. Wife material, right? I thought so but didn’t want to married. I kept telling myself I’d be fine as the girlfriend for the rest of my life. That sounds weird just typing that. Weird because I cooked, was supportive, listened, wasn’t needy as a girlfriend but also didn’t let the man in my life all the way in. I kept information about myself on the surface (favorite color, travel plans, career goals, etc.). I kept all the deep secrets, my fears and worries to myself. Now I’m married and know that to love my husband includes trust and respect for him. I trust that he will protect my heart and feelings. I trust that he won’t judge me for what I think or feel. I trust that he knows I love him and took our wedding vows to heart. So would I have dated me? No. Would I have married me? Probably not but I’m glad that Ian was strong enough to knock down those walls and asked that wild and crazy question: Cassandra, will you marry me?