Dr Seuss once said, “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

Most folks don’t give the whole “movie-type romance” a lot of weight. Go ahead and toss that idea out the window right now. “Movie-type romances” do exist and they aren’t all that hard to come by. A problem many have is they get frustrated with the dating game and settle for “someone”, rather than “the one”. If you just wait it out a little bit, open your eyes and keep hope and faith alive, your true love won’t be as difficult to find as you think.

“Good Enough” Has Been Replaced by “Great”

It’s easy to have a romance full of obstacles. For instance, the relationship is satisfactory, or “good enough”, but something always seems to keep it from being as “great” as it could be. Perhaps it’s an annoying habit, a nosy parent, an ungrateful demeanor, a stressful job. You know in your heart once “this one” problem is resolved, your “good enough” relationship that is fraught with incessant arguing about that “one” thing, will turn into a “great” one that is drama free.

Alas, relationships don’t work that way. Once the problem has been handled, another one soon pops up. The couple is still unhappy and still living in a “good enough” situation.

What must be understood is that remaining in such a relationship is counterproductive if one is waiting for true love. Getting a raise or a higher paying position may make life financially easier, but as the cliché says: money doesn’t buy happiness. And in this case, it won’t help two people are simply aren’t a good fit for each other.

Who You Are is Impressive

When you can be you, flaws and all, you know you’ve met the one. I know it’s cliché, but like most clichés, it rings true. “The One” great takes pride in your choices and accomplishments. They find you sexy even when you don’t feel so hot. They think you’re funny (in a good way) even when you aren’t trying to crack a joke. You rarely, if ever, have to go out of your way to impress “The One” because being you is impressive enough for them.

Generally, Your Priorities are Similar

Opposites frequently attract, but rarely do they make fabulous long-term relationships. The key to healthy long-term love boils down to compatibility.

Great example: if you can’t wait to be a parent and want to raise a small clan of children, like yesterday, but your partner is adamant about not ever wanting children of their own, it’s clear the two of you are working with vastly different priorities.

On the other hand: If your priorities sync up well, then you two have a much better opportunity for true long-term happiness.

Your Family and Friends Like Him

Many people will say it doesn’t matter what others think. But if the people who love you most are constantly in your ear about how your mate isn’t good for you, that person probably isn’t “The One”. Conversely, if your loved ones trust your significant other to be good to you and encourage the relationship, that’s a very good sign that this one is a keeper.

Of course, as has been my experience, someone may be an awesome person who your friends and family promote heavily, but whom you have no interest in. In that case, following their advice isn’t the best thing.

But if you’re falling for this person and your family and friends are digging him too, you might just have the real deal in on your hands.

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