I have learned to look for someone who is ALREADY the partner that I want-- not someone who "could be" with a little bit of work. That will only lead to disappointment.

No amount of your care and support is never going to make someone else change. They have to change themselves because they want to and they are ready; you cannot do it for them.

Listen to people's ACTIONS, not their words. People often say what they think you want to hear; their actions are much more reliable.

I'be learned to date someone who can offer me as much as I can offer them and who is truly worthy of me. I no longer date someone just because they are available, attractive, interested in me, and have a lot of good qualities-- I am much pickier now. I know what I want and need in a partner, and I don't get past square one unless I know they have all of those qualities.

I pay a LOT of attention to how someone treats me. I only date people who build me up; never people who tear me down.

I never "chase" someone who is only kind of interested. I only pursue people if there is mutual interest and it is progressing naturally.