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The reasons people have for choosing a partner for life can be as consistent as snowflakes. For some, "marriage potential" might mean having a great affinity for sky-diving, or really getting into heavy-metal. Others may require their partner to love exotic animals or eat nothing but seaweed or seaweed byproducts. But for the majority of folks with an itch to get hitched, "marriage potential" means having just the right attributes in just the right amounts.

The following are some attributes that may (or may not!) help to determine your potential mates "hitchability."

Employment. If your gal or guy has a good-paying, steady job, it can catapult them into the front running. Investigating the details of your potential mate's earnings certainly does not make you a gold-digger. It simple means that you are not willing to row this marriage boat all by yourself by taking on both oars alone. Upholding a good job also means that your potential mate has a fair amount of self-discipline and self-respect, which in turn, means there's a good chance that they will respect you.

A Plan. Setting realistic goals is another fine attribute. If your guy or girl has an admirable 5-year plan regarding their career or life in general, it means that although they are happy with their situation, they see room for improvement. Watch out, though, that the 5-year plan doesn't become a way of life. A good partner should learn to enjoy the present as well. They should know the value of "stopping to smell the roses." If they are constantly talking about how things "would be better if," then chances are they are dissatisfied with themselves on the whole. You deserve a partner who is happy with his or her own self. Only then, can they be happy with you!

Being on the same page. Do you share the same goals regarding family? Politics? Religion? Are you "a little bit rock n roll" and he's " a little bit country?" Often times, couples can get along just fine with different life styles or points of view. But, nowadays, when it's common to be dropped like a hot potato just for singing out of tune, it might be in your best interest to share more interests than not.

Integrity. Probably one of the most important attributes, a person's level of integrity can be a good barometer of what the future holds if you choose them as your mate. If she has no problem pocketing the wrong amount of change from a store clerk, or if he cheats at golf, then you can more than likely safely assume they will have no problem not being straight with you. If he or she can cheat their business partner, or the IRS, then they have the potential to cheat on you! Integrity counts!

While these are some basic attributes to look for in a potential mate, there are other things you can watch for too. How do they treat children? The elderly? How do they react to sudden unfortunate news? How do they handle an emergency? Choosing a mate for life can have dyer consequences. It is always in your best interest to sharply tune in to the guy or gal who floats your boat. If you pay attention, it could be clear sailing ahead!

Learn more about this author, Sara Mae.
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