For a relationship to be fulfilling and lasting, the last chapter should be of paramount importance. When you are yourself and happy with whom you are, you gain a quiet self-confidence that people notice. Truth-be-told, it doesn't happen overnight, but over time you're more likely to attract those, who actually like YOU for who YOU are and for what YOU stand for. Your paths will cross, for instance, at work, at a party or social event, at a sporting event, or while bumping into one another on the street. In fact, it is these "chemicals" that occur in relationships that show others who YOU really are. You can learn who you are. You can like who you are and the signals you transmit to others, who are confident and self-assured. You can be one of those people, who don't depend on others to make him/her whole. It's okay to think about getting married, but don't make it your ultimate goal. In other words, don't allow it to control you. And, even if you have parenting instincts, when you get in a relationship, don't make "having children" the only thing on your mind. Take things at a reasonable pace. For example, get to know a possible love interest. Why? Well, because it's so important to a healthy and happy relationship. For instance, there may be things about you that he/she doesn't like - and that's okay. Truthfully, no two people are the same, and everyone has a right to be different. You need to determine the magnitude of the differences, and whether those differences signal a bleak future for you and the other person. When you go out with someone, even as just friends, learn his/her strengths and weaknesses, because sometimes the weakness aren't enough to prevent you from being a couple. In other words, you may be scared away due to a partner's weaknesses, but find that their strengths outweigh the weaknesses. You see, the world isn't a perfect place and you should never look for perfection. When I first started dating my current partner, I remember thinking it was really funny that he couldn't bear the sight of meat. He was a strong vegetarian, but, thankfully, he didn't mind me eating meat. So, as long as your new partner isn't trying to change who you are - then it shouldn't matter about who they are. At the time. I worried constantly about cooking two separate meals for us. Truth-be-told, my partner wasn't obsessed with being a vegetarian. It was just a belief. But. I was determined not to ask him to change, because I knew he would never ask me to change. It's okay to compromise, but it's not okay to compromise your beliefs or who you are. If you must change who you are, the relationship will never survive.