Standards for Dating

Online dating? Before you try it, read Bella's helpful hints.

Everyone has standards. Financial and quality of life standards at a job. Standards of how they clean their house. Even standards of what they expect when going out to eat. So, why do we let our standards fly out the window when it comes to dating? Or why do we make unrealistic standards?

But be forewarned. When it comes to dating success, we must be careful not to make "standards" stumbling blocks!

Ask yourself these six questions when re-evaluating your relationship standards:

1. Are your expectations realistic? Don't seek out a companion who will make you happy and fulfill all your needs. That's a do it yourself project. No one can be everything to anyone else. Seek someone who complements you rather than completes you.
2. Do you have dating goals? Like everything else in life, goals guide us.
3. Is there a negative pattern in your previous choices? "Those who fail to learn from the past are destined to repeat it."
4. Are you trying to have what you think your friends have in the way of relationships? Though the grass can sometimes look greener on the other side, it rarely is. When it comes to matters of the heart, never compare or compete.
5. Are you carrying "excess baggage"? Bitterness, bad attitudes, and unresolved issues are sure to make your journey on the road to love bumpy and long!
6. Are you allowing other people's opinions to dictate your choices? For example, if you are allowing your mom to influence you not to date blue-collar men because she considers them beneath you, it could be to your dating detriment. Be a real grown up and make up your own mind!

The next time you're searching for a soul mate, make sure to do a little soul searching first! Reevaluate your standards to make sure they aren't the stumbling blocks stopping you to find realistic love.

Hmmm...is it O.K. to grab a looksy at your date's cell phone?