This is the continuation of a series on choices in relationships.  We’ve covered a brief overview of seven tips for choosing a quality spouse.  We elaborated on the first tip and today we’ll dig into the second.

Values, integrity, honesty, politics, money.  In essence, the general ways in which one lives life.  A perfect match is not 100% necessary.  That said, you need to take time to seriously consider what is important to you.   You need to decide what elements about the way you live are so vitally important that the other person must have them as well.

What might this look like?  Take a look at the following list for examples:

1. Honesty - Do you want someone who is impeccably honest?  What level of honesty is critical for you?
2. Integrity - Are you looking for someone who lives in a way that is always consistently good? Deals with people in an outstanding manner no matter what?
3. Compassion - Someone who has a heart?
4. Money - Someone who is okay with being broke and in debt? Or someone who has a plan to get out of debt and manage their money well?
5. Diligent - Someone who works hard, perseveres, or are you looking for someone who is lazy and gives up easily?
6. Goals and Dreams - Are you looking for someone who has dreams and goals. Someone who takes initiative to reach those dreams?  Or someone with no goals, no drive, no initiative to succeed and achieve?
7. Arrogant - Are you looking for someone who knows it all and always has to be right?  Or someone who’s not afraid to admit they don’t know everything?
8. And on and on… there are many more values and traits a person needs to consider… this is just a starter list.

As always, seek the help of a competent professional if you feel you need to assess your current boyfriend/girlfriend.  It’s worth the time to do this process before you get married.  Doing so will allow you to make the best choice so that you have the best chance for a successful long term marriage.  Let me know what you think!