In the wilds the process of choosing a mate is determined entirely by their physical properties; their strength, their courage and their ability to hunt and provide for their family. These principles still apply in many cases throughout the human world; however, since our minds are much more developed than those of our animal brethren there are other factors that should be considered.

The practice of choosing a mate based on their ability to provide for a family is an important one, and while that ability in the human world is not judged by their ability to go out and hunt wild game it is judged on their ability to meet their responsibilities. The amount of responsibility that you are looking for in a mate should be determined by your expectations for your future. If you are attempting to retire at a young age you are going to want a mate who is willing to help you work and sacrifice for that goal.

On the other hand, if you want to start a family you are going to want to choose a mate who is willing to carry their part of their home responsibilities and possibly put future career advancements on hold. If you are a free-spirit content to go through life as a free-spirit you are going to want to find a mate who shares the same viewpoints you do. Whatever the case, you are going to need to choose a mate who is going to be willing to hold up their half of your future together. While a mate who is undecided as to their path in life and is content to depend on you to make your way may still be enjoyable at the beginning, over time you will come to resent the extra strain that constant worry over financial matters will bring.

Another point to be considered is common interest. Sometimes opposites do attract, a happening that will be discussed in greater detail a bit later on, but as a general rule relationships have a better chance of survival if the parties involved have many key values and interests in common. This does not mean that the two of you need to be identical images of one another; if you did not have differing opinions what would the two of you talk about? On the other hand, if you do not enjoy some of the same activities, what will the two of you do on Friday night? More important than these trivialities is the need for a shared image of your future. While attraction is fine and good at the beginning the relationship is doomed to failure if you cannot chart a common path.

Choosing a mate is not an endeavor that should be taken lightly; choosing incorrectly could result in a life of misery for all parties involved. Take the time to carefully consider what it is that you want in a mate before embarking on the journey.