Psy, IMHO, patience isn't all you need. There should be a class in high school or somewhere, that young people can take to understand any kind of dysfunction in their family of origin so that you don't seek out the same kind of people but instead can recognize a healthy individual.

People with baggage seem to seek out the same kind of people. If I had it to do over again, I'd pound it into my kid's head to NOT marry until they'd had a year of therapy. That way, they would be the best that they could be before looking for a mate. That mate should also be what you want and need before any commitment is made.

Only heaven knows how many times I wished I'd listened to my mother when I told her my first husband and I were getting married!!! One of her main concerns was his health history. She actually said "You don't know if there's any crazy people in his blood line!" (He had been adopted) Come to find out, he is schizophrenic and my daughter inherited that mental illness! Of course, at the time, I wouldn't have thought of my kids inheriting the desease, but I sure wouldn't have married him!! He's 68 now and still refuses to believe there is anything wrong with him! But then again... hind sight is 20/20.

Still, I'm of the firm belief that you do marry the family when you marry your mate. Don't just be patient. Be PRO ACTIVE... for your own sake.