Mate selection and partnership choice

¶ … Mate

When selecting a mate, true compatibility is the most important characteristic. For that reason, Claire should select Jim as her husband. Not only do she and Jim have a good sex life, which can be expected to wax and wane over the course of their marriage, but they also share interests and hobbies. In addition, they share similar goals, such as the desire, not only to create a family, but to interact with that family. While Claire may not have the same financial opportunities with Jim that she would have if she married Sam, Jim is steadily employed in a respectable position. It also appears that Jim's demeanor indicates someone who is more willing to help out at home, which should help ease the burden during those times that Claire also needs to work.

In addition, their shared interest in several physical activities indicates that Jim will promote a very healthy lifestyle. Claire may face considerable opposition to her decision to marry Jim, because modern society places an inordinate emphasis on material wealth and the status professions attached to such wealth.

If Claire makes the immediate decision to marry Jim, she would probably be making a large mistake. She has been dating two people for almost a year's time, which indicates that she is not truly ready to make a commitment to either one. Therefore, what Claire should do is stop seeing Sam and continue to date Jim, in order to determine whether or not she and Jim have the wherewithal necessary to sustain a serious relationship. If she does so, she will be better able to make a serious and responsible choice about marriage. In that way, in five years, Claire could be celebrating a third anniversary and have a child with Jim. Although Claire's earning capacity is not shown, responsible financial planning should allow her some flexibility in her work situation. Together she and Jim will be able to expose their child to their shared interests and to provide their child with a warm and loving home environment.