diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 9d234c3262..caa5415105 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,8 +1,12 @@
-<!-- Thanks for filing a PR! Before hitting the button, please check the following items.-->
+<!-- < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < ☺ 
+v                               ✰  Thanks for creating a PR! ✰    
+v    Before smashing the submit button please review the checkboxes. 
+v    If a checkbox is n/a - please still include it but + a little note why
+☺ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  --> 
 
 * [ ] Updated all relevant documentation in docs
 * [ ] Updated all code comments where relevant
 * [ ] Wrote tests
 * [ ] Updated CHANGELOG.md
-* [ ] Updated Basecoin / other examples
-* [ ] Squashed related commits and prefixed with PR number per [coding standards](https://github.com/tendermint/coding/blob/master/README.md#merging-a-pr)
+* [ ] Updated Gaia/Examples
+* [ ] Squashed all commits, uses message "Merge pull request #XYZ: [title]" ([coding standards](https://github.com/tendermint/coding/blob/master/README.md#merging-a-pr))