[Honeykiss1974]

Let me start off by saying that my view on love/marriage is based on a religious/Christian POV.

Everyone's talked a lot about marriage and how large of a commitment it is - which is all true. However, on a more personal level, we should really be examining the qualities or requirements/standards that we have set for "future mate". For example, are you looking for a man/woman that is rich, handsome, body like Beyonce/Usher? Or you looking for a hardworking man/woman that is romantic, has a sense of humor, and loves family more than anything?

The bible tells us the "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." (Proverbs 31 29-30). (now this can apply to a man too). I firmly believe that when you are raptured by physical/outside qualities of a person and base your mate selection on that, then you are building a house on sand as opposed to a rock. I've seen SO MANY people use the wrong criteria for determining whether or not someone is mate material and then wonder why things didn't work out (divorce).

For example, in Proverns 31, at no point in the chapter is a physical description of the woman's appearance is given - but yet all the traits and qualities about this kind of woman is what a man should look for in a wife. These are qualities that do not go out style, but qualities that when the going get's tough, these attributes will help the couple weather the storm.

I'm not saying its wrong to be attracted to your mate (which is a whole 'nother subject), but it takes more for a marriage to last that a nice booty in a mini skirt or for the ladies, a 6 pack in a wifebeater.