First off, let me start off with some words of wisdom:

Life is what you make of it. The choices people make are what define them, and everything you do, will always come back to you.

I was recently asked to start writing for this page, and while I never thought of myself as a writer for a predominantly gay audience, I relish at the opportunity to showcase my work, and help others at the same time.

I suppose it's only fair to the readers that I introduce myself.

Well, my name is Henri, obviously, and I'm a communication major at the University here in Brownsville. It's a great department, and I'm learning so much. Concurrent with going to school, I also work for a publication that shall remain nameless.

When I recently asked someone to describe what they thought i was all about, I have to admit, they got it to a tee.

I was told that while I give a façade of strength and though I try to be a tough guy, I'm really am a caring passionate person who isn't tough at all when it comes right down to it. Though that might be true, the thing that stood out the most of what he said was, "What you want the most in life is love."

Is it the validation that your life is worth something only when it's shared with someone else? The need to be needed? Or is it just something that was just instilled in our heads that we need, and therefore want. What ever the case may be, love is a powerful thing.

And then I had a thought. Isn't that what everyone wants? Some People even spend their lives looking for love. Why is it such an important thing in our lives?

Now I've had my share of relationships, and I've met those guys-that at the time-you think are "the one" but end up disappointing you.

Whenever I look back on this particular topic, I can't help but think of that one guy that was "good on paper." You know the type, has everything going for them; great job, great personality, great smile, great everything, but there's always that one thing that just doesn't add up. There's something there that, while he's great in theory, he's not who you thought he could be.

To protect the not so innocent, we'll call my "good on paper guy" Bill. I met Bill like every other person my generation meets people, on myspace. (Ah myspace, it's a powerful thing.)

Bill and I hit it off, naturally. We'd send each other e-mail's, comments, even picture comments, we might of even talked on the phone a few times. Then one day, Bill and I decide to meet at a local charity event.

It was perfect. Meeting the man of my dreams while helping others. What could go wrong? Well, nothing at first. The night was a hit. We met, we talked, we laughed, we even flirted. A glance here, a touch there, it was all grand. Until. . .

It's a funny thing-alcohol. It always lets you see people for what they really are. At least, that's what I've gown to learn.

To make a long story short, I ended up being humiliated that night due to Bill's fascination with "pretty" boys, and leaving me at an after party to stand alone and wonder. . . "Where'd he go?"

When I think back on that night of crying all the way back home from McAllen, I can't help but smile now. Had it not been for that night, I would not have known what Bill was all about, and thus showing me what I wasn't missing. It is my whole heartedly belief that everything does happen for a reason. There is nothing that happens in your life that isn't there for a purpose.

Though Bill and I still talk from time to time, he will always been the one that, while I want to want him, I know I can't, and won't. If that makes sense.

Finding love is tricky business. It takes time, and a lot of patience. And a lot of trial and error. My first piece of advice for y'all might very well be my most important. Don't give up! What ever happens, don't ever give up on love.

Love has to be the most powerful word in any language, and is too beautiful a thing to ever give up on. It's out there. So please, don't ever lose the faith, and always remember to live, laugh, and most importantly, love.

If you have a question or comment for me, please feel free to e-mail me at HenriOn@Speakyourmindbrownsville.com