1. Reality Check

   Ask yourself, what am I looking for? If you answered a serious relationship, some factors should be more important then others. Sense of confidence, loyalty, accountability, and a good heart are extremely important in long term relationships. Avoid shallow temptations, looks fades, wealth runs out but inner beauty lasts.

2. Timing

   Your first date was magical and you are looking in his/her eyes ready to announce your eternal love… back off. Conversing your future plans in a general, informative way is acceptable, discussing your children’s names and date of birth, isn’t!

3. Accessibility

   Looking for “the one”? Most likely that they aren’t hiding in your bedroom closet… visibility is your “ticket to ride”. Dress up, go out, sign up for an evening class, put yourself out there, it will happen in no time.

4. Clean Slate

   There is one unacceptable topic for you to chat about during your dating process – your Ex! It has to be the biggest turn-off, based on a very logical line of thinking – if you feel the need to discuss your Ex, you are probably not emotionally available for new love- free your heart and the rest will follow…

5. So Happy Together

   We all look for love, relationship and a family, nonetheless possessiveness or a needy behavior is a condition, not an implication of affection. Avoid “playing therapist” with your prospective partner, healthy relationships are based on stability & normalcy, seek it!

6. Gender Roles

   The world has long became “an equal opportunity employer”, but some gender roles will always stay around, rightfully so. Let him open the door for you, pick up the tab and refuse her offer to share it.

7. First Date Sex?

   Maybe not. Passion and desire are nourished by anticipation; use it to your advantage. Know when to draw the line, too little too late will not be the best policy. Let your instincts lead the way.

8. Compatibility

   You really don’t have to agree on hardwood or tile as your living room flooring, you do have to share the same ideas about the institute of marriage or having children. Serious discussions could be a drag but they might just save you a lot of time and agony, conduct them wisely…

9. The Game of Love

   Its Saturday night and his name is blinking softly on your cell phone screen… playing hard to get is appealing, calling back a week later is rude. Nonetheless, canceling all previous engagements just to make yourself available is not a wise choice, remember, you want your partner to complete you not to take over you.

10. Business or Pleasure

    Leave your work out of your bedroom. When building a firm relationship, it’s extremely important to make yourself accessible emotionally. It doesn’t mean disconnecting your cell phone, it means putting aside your “to do list” while sharing quality time together.

We spend our time, financial resources, mental energy, etc’ on finding “the one” but once fortunately indulging in their presence, we forget to nourish and ignite the eternal flame of love & passion.

Today, do one loving gesture for the person you love, don’t take their existence for granted.

Good Luck!