Look in the mirror

Any decision and/or choice we make are a direct reflection of who we are.
More importantly, the people we surround ourselves with are a difrect reflection of who we are and how we think.
There are many quotes surrounding that concept; "you are the average for the five people that you spend the most time with" and "birds of a feather flock together..."
Which all it takes is common sense to figure out why this is true.
People keep others around them that they share similar views with, follow in similar life paths, and share similar beliefs as.
Even if it doesn't initially start off that way, we have this natural tendency to pick up the ideas and mannerisms of the peoplle around us.
Consciously or subconsciously.
Therefore the partners or the people we choose to start relationships are a reflection of us.
Our partner is usually at least the second highest on the list of  people who take up our quality time.
With that said, there is usually a lot of commanilty between partners...at least in a long lasting relationship.
If you are on a certain path and your partner is walking in the opposite direction, it's only a matter of time before one partner is forced to do an about face or the chains will strain and eventually break.
That's why it would be hard for a person whose a firm believer in loyalty to be able to maintain a relationship with a cheater.
Or a person's whose a huge advocate for higher education to become seriously involved with a high school drop out.
OR a gold digger to date someone with no gold to dig.
Now, opposites do attract, but people with deep rooted similar beliefs stay together.
But all in all, these are just my personal beliefs...and maybe our partners arent a reflection of who we are.
However, personally, I want to make a conscious effort to not claim anyone as my SIGNIFICANT other if their walk in life isn't a positive reflection of my choices or doesn't SIGNIFY that I have good decision making skills...
Not to satisfy the opinion of others...but to contribute to my own positive opinion of myself.