4 signs of true love

by Susan Hayden

Some may disagree, but I don't believe in "soul mates." I believe that you can find someone who is an absolutely perfect match for you, but I also think that you can have more than one perfect match in your lifetime. Still, the question remains for those in love: Is this the one for me?

How do you really know for sure?
It almost seems like a trick question, one I'm not sure anyone is qualified to answer. Though here's a little help to validate your relationship decisions:

1. Are you clear about what you want - and why you want it? You are required to be clear not only about what you want from love, though what you want your life with another to be. Once you have established that, you are capable of being sure you have come into the relationship with a clear head and a vision of what your life is capable of realistically looking like with this person. Setting some criteria will help you avoid the pitfalls of getting involved with someone who's completely erroneous for you.

2. Does your romance measure up? Though it may seem trite, make a wish list for your ideal match. Fill it with your ideas of the perfect partner, and keep it in the back of your mind as you are shopping at the mall or sipping wine at a local cafe. Be particular though realistic. The more you are aware of what is suitable for you, the more you are likely to seise the moment when Mr. or Ms. "Right" comes along.

3. Do you like yourself? You have heard the old adage: "You can not be happy with someone else until you are happy with yourself." Not only does a constructive attitude help when meeting someone new, it also helps you to start a relationship at the precise time, when you are sensing favourablly about your life and the direction it is taking.

4. Does your significant other make you an improved person? Love is not just about finding someone who causes you happiness. Look for a match who brings out your finest, perhaps someone who makes you a more productive and pleasant person.

The greatest way to find true love is to be smart about whom you choose and clear about why you are choosing him or her. Chalk the rest up to the great mystery of love!