The Art of Settling

Mandatory minimums, how many of us have them, or implement those standards when we decide to distribute our time to others? A lot of us seem to accommodate the standards we set for people just because they seem to provide initial happiness in our lives, but we fail to foresee if they can provide longevity to our lives.

God bless the mother of Smokey Robinson because she told him the art of shopping around,  not just for the best bargain, but for someone who can provide you the greatest value. It's essential that you ask yourself, "what can they do for me?" Attractiveness gets our attention initially, but what are those things that keep us drawn to that person over time? Why are you limiting yourself to something that is substandard when it is placed in comparison to you? If you followed the blueprint of a Clair or Heathcliff why are you settling down with a James or Florida?  

We as a people need to understand that in most cases that if you deal with someone you deem as your equal life will be much more joyous down they road, and it'll be less hectic. If you got your 125 credits and your working on your masters, law/med school, or even chasing that doctorate then you've already establish the lane that your in. Why move out of the fast lane to get off on an exit to someone that's 25 and still living for the weekend, chasing corner bar harlots, or concerned with their side bets that they've place on Maury paternity results. If you and your #him/#her are not pushing you to be a better more well rounded person then you are setting your self up short. No matter the outer appearance and how funny they may come across can you see yourself settling down with someone that only wants to talk about, "partying & fashion?" 

When you've been traveling to different parts of the globe and been cultivated with the knowledge of different cultures why limit yourself to people that only knows about a  Chic-Fil-A that is being built in a nearby suburb. The term dealing with your equals does not mean that they have to meet a minimum income attainment, it refers to someone who has the same aspirations and drive that pushes you forward. They should be able to jump start your battery when your engine dies and keep you moving. Your life should not tell a story of you being a U-Haul moving someone else forward. 

After the first meeting and a few key standards abandoned you may have a smile, but foresee 5, 10, 20 years from now, can you honestly see yourself happy? Don't spend your whole life trying to keep someone happy, look for someone who can consistently keep you looking for ways to improve yourself so you can keep up with them and not bring them to down your level.