Wednesday, 30 December 2009

The Great Relationship Checklist!

So I'm single again after having spent the last 9 years in a relationship which failed earlier this year.

I come to look back over the things which happened at the start of the relationship, and the things which didn't happen, and have a think about what went wrong and when.

After a conversation with a close friend who had experienced a similar relationship failure not so long ago we shared the thought that both of us ended up in the relationships we had by not requiring anything particular of our prospective partners. We were both just going with the flow. I realized that at the time that the relationship started I had no idea what I wanted in a partner, and wasn't even really looking for a proper relationship - it just sort of happened!
Someone told me a truism: if you don't specify something you usually don't get it - for instance if you say 'I don't care if they don't have any money, as long as they love me' then what you get is someone who loves you who has no money.

So she said to me you should write a list - of all the things you want your life partner to be, and even though you probably wont find someone who fits absolutely every criteria, if you've got the list in your mind you're more likely to get most of what you want.
So I wrote this list.

QUESTION FOR THE FLOOR: I'd be fascinated to hear what people think of this list. Is it too long? not long enough? am I being unreasonable here or would you want to be much more specific (like they must drive a BMW?) If you were writing a list like this what other things would you add or what would you take away?

Psychological aspects:
1) Has a positive outlook
2) Has a similar sense of humor, and gets me!
3) Is compassionate and unselfish
4) Is grounded and honest
5) Doesn't always have to get her way / is capable of having a rational argument
6) Doesn't play games with me
7) Would make a sensitive and responsible mother

Physical aspects:
8) Is attractive to me (obviously!)
9) Is fit and healthy (as much as I am at any rate!)
10) Is loving and passionate in bed
11) Has a healthy sexual appetite
12) Knows how to look good and carries herself confidently
13) Is physically versatile (e.g. can adapt to different physical challenges, like hiking, camping, sports, dancing, eating unusual things!) this sounds like a funny thing to specify but I'm amazed how many times I've met people who just won't even attempt things they're not familiar with!
14) Has a kinky side, or is open minded enough to explore
15) Is of a healthy child bearing age, and will be for some time to come

Behavioral / social aspects:
16) Knows their own mind - not dependent on anyone / thing for their point of view
17) Is culturally dynamic - i.e. can relate to people of any class / race / social level as equal, and be non-judgmental (even if they have formed a strong opinion about someone)
18) Has aspirations
19) Has a healthy social life
20) Knows how to party hard!
21) Goes out of her way to help others sometimes
22) Is financially independent and values it
23) Has a love and respect for my music and supports my career choices
24) Isn't in a tearing hurry to settle down and have kids

n.b. to any who may know my ex wife - in case there's any question implied here this is absolutely not intended to say that she showed none of these qualities, indeed she showed many of them, the only point I'm making here is about the principles of relationship selectivity.

Next time : The Great Fuck Buddy Checklist!!

1 comment:

  1. There are many theories and philosophical debates that have existed over the centuries on human existence on the opposite sex. You would have thought that with all the technological advancement in communication we would be closer to understanding one another.
    When more time becomes available i would like to explore some of the points you have raised.

    ReplyDelete