When you are single and on the market for love, it can sometimes be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement when someone good finally comes along; on the other hand, after a few too many “whirlwinds of excitement,” you may get to the point that you give up all together and don’t even notice when someone great is right in front of you. With Valentine’s Day coming up (cue the excitement from some, sighs from others), it is important to know what you are looking for when trying to find the right person. While everybody is different, we compiled a list of 5 things you need to know when you’re in the market.
- It’s important to know yourself first.
It’s hard to know what you like in a partner if you do not spend some time reflecting on yourself. Know what you bring to the table and from there, try to figure out what types of values and characteristics a potential partner could bring to complement who you are. - Take it slow.
When you start to fall for someone, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and rush things. Rushing into a relationship may put you in a position you do not want to be in, because it may lead to heartbreak. It’s important that you take time to get to know the person and how you two operate together before making major commitments or investing too much of yourself into the relationship. It may also help to develop a stronger base of your relationship if you start out as friends. - Nobody is perfect.
While it’s important to know what you want in a partner, try not to expect a perfect human being (News flash: they don’t exist!). There are going to be some things that you two disagree upon, there are going to be things about them that get on your nerves, and that is normal. No two people will be 100% compatible, that’s simply not how life works. For more on this, check out our blog post, “Mr. Right Isn’t Always Going to be Mr. Perfect” - Know what you want
While you want to keep your expectations realistic, know what you want out of a relationship. Your life and your personality are unique, being your partner isn’t a job that just anybody can do. In a partner, know what you like and dislike, what’s important to you and what you’re okay with. For example, are you okay with dating someone who smokes? Do you want them to be patient? Do you want someone who likes working out? Knowing what is important to you will help when looking for the right person. - Good things come to those who wait.
Even if you feel like you are the perfect partner and would do great in a relationship at this point in your life, if it is not time, it is simply not time. Be patient, and the right one will come along. This is hard to do, especially since we live in a time of needing instant gratification, but remember that the right person will be worth the wait. But don’t just wait. Actively wait. Continuously improve yourself as you wait for the partner that you have been looking for because the more you let yourself shine, the easier it is for him or her to notice you.
Whether you’re just keeping your eyes open or actively searching for love, make sure you keep these five tips in mind, especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. As always, we are here for you and want to see you succeed in all of your endeavors, love life included. Feel free to reach out if you would like to talk more about finding the right person for you.