“The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.” — Maureen Dowd
Many people live with the hope of meeting someone special to share their lives with, but then settle for far less than what they truly seek. They fall for the false first impression. They fall for the physical and superficial instead of the authentic core of a person. They grow comfortable with the convenience of being with someone — even when that someone isn’t ideally suited to who they are or they ultimately want to be. Or worse, they let the fear of being single override their desire to leave what they know to be an unhealthy relationship.
It’s important at the beginning of any relationship not to confuse short-term attraction & desire with long-term chemistry & compatibility. It’s important to not want something to succeed so badly that you sacrifice who you are in the process of trying to make it happen.
For relationships to truly last, it’s important that people be able to connect on multiple levels and demonstrate that their core values are compatible enough to allow them to stay together long after the honeymoon phase is over.
Anyone can chase you, put their best foot forward, and adopt an attractive demeanor. Anyone can act agreeable, put in a little effort from time to time, and make you their flavor of the week. But if you’re looking for a serious, sincere, and meaningful relationship, always remember that it isn’t just anyone that you seek.
Wait for the person who accepts you for you are without seeking to change you into someone they want you to be.
Wait for the person who can appreciate your quirks without simply seeing them as something they have to tolerate.
Wait for the person who sees in you the potential for true friendship and not just a warm body or a matter of convenience.
Wait for the person who values you and your relationship enough to actually communicate their feelings.
Wait for the person who will let you grow as an individual without insisting that you never change.
Wait for the person who trusts you enough to not try to control or manipulate you.
Wait for the person who doesn’t simply see you as an option, but as a priority in their life.
Wait for the person who isn’t just nice when they want something — or who shows you appreciation only when it’s convenient.
Wait for someone with integrity, whose words are reinforced by their actions.
Wait for the person who wants to be the best person they can be for themselves, for others, and for you. Not just for a night, a day, a week, or a year, but always.
Wait. Don’t settle.
“Shouldn’t we hold out for the person who doesn’t just tolerate our little quirks, but actually kinda likes them?” — Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother
