Marriage & My "Perfect Mate"

As a coworker got married this past weekend, it runs through my mind about relationships and what's "right" for each person. Adults get married at all ages. Someone might be on their 3rd marriage by 30 while others aren't even close to their first at 35.

I have never been one to thing marriage is a must in life. In fact, I often say I may never get married and I'm ok with that. That's not to say I don't believe in marriage. I actually believe in the sanctity of it. I see so many unhappy marriages and marriages that end that I can't help but be fearful of it. If I do get married, it will be for life. (And that's a scary thought in itself!)

I have to ask, though, what is the rush to wed and the constant obsession with weddings? Have you counted the number of wedding-related shows on tv?! It's outrageous; I watch none of them. I have a couple friends who got married after our freshman year of college, much like my parents. I have others who are in their mid-twenties now and just starting to consider it or are newlywed. I respect their decisions.

I guess it's really all about finding your perfect mate and both being in the same place at the same time when it comes to that relationship. I've been told I'm hard headed & set in my ways. I admit that I am and see nothing wrong with that. A good friend even told me I am brutally honest with an odd (cruel?) sense of humor and that not everyone can deal with that. Trust me, I can attest to that. I always say that I'm still looking for that one who can deal with me how I am. Someone who accepts that I am strong, smart, and successful, but also caring, deep, and softer than I seem. I need someone who can accept that I want to watch and talk sports, but I also want to watch "girly" stuff, too. I like my freedom. I don't think people should spend every single day together. It's not healthy; it creates a bad dependence. Those guys who travel for work semi-regularly? Yes, that's perfect.

A Twitter follower shared about a story he read recently about more women taking the first step in a relationship and asking guys out. I replied that even with my gutsiness, I don't think I'd ever do that. I'm not a feminist, but I definitely think that's a man's role. It shows they're ballsy and actually want something.

Can anybody fit that mold? Everything I want plus ballsy? Let's hope so. If not, I'm good. I'll get there someday.