another thing is that normal people don't often feel compelled to choose a partner based on who benefits their public image, cause they don't have one. this is not something I'd otherwise consider had I not, at some point, realized that many people do consider me to be a public figure.

this has bothered me for many years because i think falling in love should come naturally and I don't like the idea of feeling pressured to date someone on the grounds that they'd be good for my career.

honestly, politics is a career path that not many people want to go down for very good reasons. it's a stressful, dirty, and ugly game. so I'm far more aware than I've ever been that this has to be disclosed up front and the important questions have to be asked.

it's not that I want to choose someone whose public image benefits my career but that I sincerely have no idea what kind of man would want to see his girlfriend/wife continuously fighting a battle that makes most men wanna cry like babies when it gets too difficult.

last thing I need is a man who'll buckle under pressure.