Strolling up to the fence with two full buckets of apples strapped across her back, Applejack scoffed in amusement as Fluttershy recounted Rainbow Dash's advice to her. “What the hay does that featherbrain know about anything that isn't bucking clouds, anyway?” she asked. “Don't get me wrong, you won't get anywhere by being a wallflower, but getting all up in somepony's muzzle just to make an impression is not the best way of earning their respect.”

        Fluttershy offered her friend a smile; watching Applejack work the farm was relaxing, and she often felt closer to the earth pony due to their shared love of nature. “So. What would you say is the most important thing about dating, then?”

        “Honestly?” Applejack stopped and thought for a moment, scratching the back of her sweat-drenched neck as she did so. “I guess most ponies appreciate you making an effort for them. Let them know that you're trying, that you're interested in what they say, and that you're willing to work together on the things that you each find bothersome.”

        “What do you mean, things that you each find bothersome?”

        “Well, ponies are a pretty diverse bunch, aren't they? You might find somepony who is a lot like you, or you might end up with somepony who runs completely contrary to you. Either way, they aren't gonna love absolutely every little thing about you, nor are you gonna love absolutely everything about them, so you kinda have to meet in the middle, don't you?”

        “You mean … hide yourself?” asked Fluttershy.

        “No, not that at all,” said Applejack, a little bit too forcefully. Regaining control, she elaborated, “Just, in the beginning at least, you won't want to accentuate the negative aspects of yourself, right? You'll try to minimise them, at least until you're used to each other, you know? It's about compromise, give-and-take.”

        “That makes sense,” Fluttershy said. “I mean, I can imagine it would be irritating for others if I had a bunch of animals-” absent-mindedly, she fished around in her mane and retrieved a small dormouse that had been residing there and fed him a piece of cheese “-around me all the time, wouldn't it?”

        Grinning, Applejack said, “Yeah, I reckon it would. Especially if they're allergic to animals.” Setting her sights back on the farm, she reflected on how there was still much to do before she could call it quits; being flighty and romantic was fine in bursts, but at the end of the day practicality was what mattered most. Plus, her family depended on the produce that she provided. “See ya later, sugarcube. Have fun!”

        “I'll do my best. 'Bye!”