Sometimes we think about getting into a new relationship but do we really think about all of the things that we really want.
We check out the reviews when buying a new product. We check out reviews on a potential doctor but so many times we jump headfirst into a relationship without doing a checklist of all the things that we would like for our relationship to have.
I actually would recommend that you make a spreadsheet with the traits of your ideal mate.
I have a lot of things that I like about men and that is tall men, men who are quiet, and men who have a good sense of humor which is a plus. He must be a gentle giant and generous. So I wouldn't mesh well with a man who is loud and self-centered.
I know that this is a little extreme but it is worth it. You should know what you like to do for entertainment and some of the things that you would enjoy with your new relationship.
If you would like a man or woman to dress a certain way, including that on your spreadsheet. If you like your person to be religious or not, then that would go on the list.
You will always have some surprises because nobody is perfect, but I had someone tell me that they hated when their boyfriend would wear white tees on his day off from work.
I asked this person whether she checked out what he was wearing at the beginning of their relationship, and she said that he would show up at her house with a white tee, so I wondered why she was "surprised" that he was still doing this.
Honestly, he didn't have a problem, she did!
This seems like something that is trivial but it can cause silly arguments. Some men do not like wigs or hair weaves, and if they feel this way, they should not date someone and expect them to change when the relationship gets more serious.
If you like a hard-working man or woman, then don't date anyone who is barely working even if you think that they are cute.
Seriously think about whether or not you could date someone with ongoing, chronic health conditions and be completely honest with yourself. If you are chronically ill, make sure that you disclose this with the other person so there are no surprises. This is very important!
If someone tells you that they are not ready for a serious relationship and you are ready, then it is time to stop seeing this person if your goal is a long-term relationship or marriage. This keeps you from wasting your precious time.
Be honest with yourself because life is short to live with regrets. Never think that you can fix someone because they may not feel like they are broken.