"Choosing a life partner...

...is one of the most important decisions to be made in life. What factors will affect your choice?" was one of the questions in the Sec 4/5 Mid-Year English Paper 1.
I met a small group of a graduating class last week to do a review of their paper 1, and they in turn posed that question to me. =.=
Well, I'm supposed to write an entry of it, composition style; but nah, I'm not going to.
Cuz seriously, if I were a student sitting for my O Levels, I would stay away from such a question, far far far far farrrrrrr away. Really.

Why?
Cuz factors in choosing a life partner are subjective, as the saying goes, "One man's meat is another man's poison."

I gotta admit though, that got me thinking...

Some of the factors I overheard were along the lines of - looks, monetary worth, bodily curves and such.
Yes, they matter but to what extent?
And, aren't such factors a tad too superficial?
All these can be changed with time.
Not happy with your looks? Go under the knife.
Don't feel rich enough? Work smart and hard, earn more money, spend less, save more.
Feel outta shape? Head to the gym and get yourself worked out, oh and watch your dietary intake.

I thought about some factors that I would be concerned about and I think it boils down to these:
1. Family
2. Friends
3. Chemistry

I must agree with how he treats his family, cuz that would definitely reflect how he would treat mine. He should then also be comfortable with how I treat my family and how I should treat his. Most importantly, his family has got to love me and my family love him. At the end of the day, -touch wood- should anything go wrong, my family would be my pillar of support. Then again, if he were my life partner, I'm sure we'll brave through thick and thin together, as pledged in wedding vows...

"...from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part: according to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge you my faith."

Next, I must be able to hang out with his friends and him with my friends. I believe a marriage would be enhanced with group gatherings. :) In addition, I must feel safe and assured when my spouse heads out for his men's nights out just as much as he should feel when I head out with my girlfriends' for ladies' nights! ;)

Last but not least, chemistry with each other. I feel that chemistry between two people do not come by easy. With chemistry, everything would fall into place. Both parties would feel comfortable with each other, be able to think for each other, be able to make each other happy no matter the situation.

I remember a colleague asking me once, "Who would you choose - someone you love or someone who loves you?" I would choose the former, I would choose to be with someone I love for the rest of my life than be with someone who loves me for the rest of my life. Of course, finding someone whom I love and who loves me would be perfect!

Whatever it is, I remember this from somewhere... "I'd rather not marry than marry the wrong man." No?



What about you?
What factors will affect your choice? :)