This is what I have told my children about dating/finding a spouse (to our son and our daughters). First, looks are on the outside. They fade. You may as well marry a poster of someone good looking if that is the primary criteria. Second, find someone who understands the value of marriage. You aren’t just looking for a mate but someone who will father or mother your children. Third, compassion and kindness is a true value of someone. How do they treat their parents? How do they treat another person like a waitress or a person on the street asking for directions? Fourth, do they believe in God and do they live their lives as a good person? Fifth, how do they treat you? If they bully you or ridicule you during the dating period, they will turn into a monster after the marriage.
** In short, I think as a society, we have turned to characteristics like money and physical appearance OVER true human values. If some great gal hasn’t snatched you up yet, Bluelancer, it is just a matter of time!
We have been married now for six years (coming this 10th of November). I've considered myself lucky and blessed for all that I have been given in my life.
Great post and spot on! I’ll add one tangible. I tell young people thinking of marriage that if they cannot remember a time when their future spouse ever sincerely apologized for something, run, don’t walk from that person. They are narcissistic and will blame you for all the problems that befall them in life.