When dating, if you want to adopt a more conscious approach, it is important to know your must-haves.  I think most of my peers agree that the top 5 characteristics in a life partner would be as follows:

1. intelligent;
2. kind/thoughtful;
3. decent looking;
4. similar sex drive/interest;
5. fiscally responsible.

It seems like that should be so simple, yet it is so hard to find that perfect combination!  And sometimes, you can have all of that, and still there is something missing.  Why?  Well, because you may have different priorities, and your visions for the future simply don’t align.  This is why you cannot take it personally when things don’t work out, but no matter what keep your list of must-haves clear.