desperately seeking

Sometimes people will ask me what things they should be looking for in a potential marriage partner. Unfortunately, most people believe they should look for common interests or physical attraction as an indicator of compatibility. Here are the things I believe to be important to look for in a partner.

1. Integrity - do they do what they say they will do? This can be with big things or with the little things. Sometimes it's the little things that make the big difference in developing trust.
2. Communication skills - look for someone who can tell you what is going on for them on the inside as well as what they intend to do. Our communication skills are only as good as our self awareness.
3. Ability to learn or take influence - it is so important that a partner is willing to learn and take influence from others because we don't always know everything and we need to be able to grow and change as life does.
4. Ability to problem solve with you - this is probably my biggest thing I invite people to look for in a potential partner. The whole rest of your life you will be figuring out how to fix the problems that life throws at you, so please look for someone who partners with you in this. Not someone who wants you to fix everything or that you want them to fix everything, but partnering in how to do things. 
5. Flexibility - because of so many changes happening in life, the ability to be flexible is a great quality to look for. 
6. Willingness to sacrifice - this is probably my second most important quality that I would want people to look for. Sacrifice brings closeness into the relationship. Be careful not to take it too far, but a healthy level of sacrifice is essential to keeping long lasting love as the foundation of the relationship.

Is there something you feel I left out or forgot to mention? Let me know in the comments.