I can't tell you the number of times I've heard women say, "Men are dogs." Since joining the on-line dating scene, I've begun to regard that statement in a whole new way -- It seems to me that looking for the right mate is very much like looking for the right dog. As I go out on dates, I'm screening for companionship, loyalty, livability, attractiveness, personality, temperament, and trainability - not unlike what I looked for when I got my first dog last year. So I'm applying the lessons learned from dog-shopping to my present project of mate-shopping:
1.) Know Yourself - Decide What's Important To You
When I decided to get a dog, I listed qualities that were important to me: I wanted a small, portable pooch that I could take with me in the car, visiting friends, running errands, and road trips. I like fluffy dogs, with very soft fur. My canine companion should be quiet, with an easy-going temperament - I'm not into high-maintenance or high-strung dogs. My dog will be cute, but need not be gorgeous. Looks disappear very quickly when you live with a pet - it's the personality that's important. And finally, it would help if the dog is already semi-trained, as I don't have patience or time for extensive training.
I've given similar thought to the man I want in my life: I'd like one who's attractive, but he need not be gorgeous -- his personality is what I'm going to be living with. I'd like a medium-sized male - not too small, since I'm tall, but he needn't be a big hulking guy, either. Easy-to-live-with is very important - no high-maintenance dogs, no high-maintenance guys. Previous experience with marriage and kids is good, because chances are he's at least partially trained. And just like my dog, my man should be intelligent, funny, responsive, loving and playful.
2.) There Are Many Wonderful Ones From Which To Choose
As I began my dog-shopping, I discovered there are many terrific dogs available - big ones, small ones, muscular ones, soft fluffy ones - all different colors, sizes, faces, bodies, voices, and personalities. There were dogs for every taste and lifestyle - none were inherently good or bad, just different. All I needed to do was find that one who would fit my taste and my lifestyle.
"Looking For The Right Mate? Recognize That Men Are Dogs - In All The Nicest Ways" »