If you want to find the love of your life, make sure you know what you are looking for. If you do not know, you can end up settling for whoever comes along. Make list of the most important qualities in an "ideal person" you would like - for example sense of humor, honesty, and so on. Use this list as your guide when choosing a partner - the closer the person matches your "ideal man or woman" the better chance you have of finding the right one.

Of course, you do need to realize that there is no such thing as an "ideal person". This means you'll have to compromise on minor things, for example hair color, but it is not a good idea to compromise on major issues. For instance, if you don't want children, don't date a person who wants a family or has children. Bear in mind that your "ideal man or woman" is searching for their "ideal person" too. Therefore, if you want someone who is athletic, you must get into shape, because athletes like their partners to be in good physical condition as well.

Once you've found your perfect partner, take at least several months or a year to really get to know him or her inside and out. If you can't picture yourself with this person in 20 or 30 years, then he or she is not the right person for you. It is important that you and your partner are compatible in all areas. This means having common interests and principles. You can't spend your entire life with someone who doesn't understand you.

Of course, no-one has a perfect relationship, and every marriage is different. So, don't compare your relationship to anyone else's - like your friend's or parent's relationship. Be yourself from the start of a relationship, create and develop the emotional aspect of your relationship, not just physical and work on your relationship every single day in every way possible. This way you and your partner will be able to enjoy a loving and lasting marriage.