"My 2 cents: It takes a lot of give and take to make it work. Cut each other some slack. Focus on the important stuff (attitudes, how to use financial resources, how to raise kids etc.) and ignore the rest. The bad boy or girl thing is fine for a short while but isn't great long term and shows a certain amount of immaturity. Look for a well rounded good attractive person not a one dimensional exclusively rich or drop dead gorgeous one (unless they are also a good, nice person). How they treat kids, pets, parents, service people (waitresses, UPS, maintenance person) and others is a good indicator. Develop trust and forgiveness. There is no perfect person. Don't push each others buttons. It's too easy and creates baggage. The flaws you overlook may be your own. Signed: Very fortunate and happily married for a lot of years." --Anonymous

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold     on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." -- Marilyn Monroe