Are You into Instant Gratification?

It's easy to get what we want these days. Information is available 24/7. We can buy a new refrigerator at 2:00am from Amazon and have it shipped the next day. We can text our friends and ask them to grab a drink now, without actually talking or planning in advance. Everything is available at our fingertips. Patience is not something we cultivate in our culture.

So how is this affecting our relationships?

I think patience is one of the most important aspects of dating and building a relationship. Sure, we all hear the fairytale wedding stories of how two people met, fell in love, and married within a few weeks or months. But for most people, it takes time, effort, and patience. Two people must first learn about and trust each other. They must be willing to grow the relationship and practice communicating effectively with each other. Often, we get too impatient waiting and think that instant chemistry is the key to our happiness. Chemistry is merely one step in the process - it takes a lot more to make things last!

Many of us make lists of the perfect man or woman we'd like to be with, and tend to date as though we're on a mission to find exactly what we want. Men and women both do this, expecting dating to be easier when actually it makes meeting people that much harder. The truth is, people aren't made to order. We all come with great qualities as well as weaknesses and baggage. The first step to having a solid relationship is to understand this and accept people for who they are. Don't try to change or mold them into what you want. And if you date only one type of person, you close yourself off from new opportunities and seeing where things might lead if you date a little differently - outside of your "type." These things take patience.

Maybe you're in a new relationship, but worried about where it's going. You'd like a magic crystal ball to ensure that you're not wasting time. If you're getting bent out of shape already, relax! Take a step back. Have you experienced the gamut of emotions with this person? Have you laughed, cried, fought? Have you seen him get angry? Have you seen how he reacts to setbacks? When you're dating, it's easy to put your best foot forward, but that doesn't mean you or your love interest will be so well-adjusted when life throws a few curveballs. That's where the relationship gets tested. It's good to know what you're facing, so take your time and get to know each other.

Plus, it's good to enjoy yourself in the early stages of romance - don't be so quick to rush to the finish line. Patience is the key.