The Relationship Ramble

I've determined that I know absolutely nothing about relationships and therefore have no right to comment on them in general. I can, however, comment on my own relationships and the failures thereof. I have yet to have a successful relationship despite my fleeting attempts at it. It's not really that I don't want a relationship or wouldn't accept the prospects of such a thing. However, for whatever reason the reality of a lasting relationship has been more elusive than trying to chase a Ferrari down the Autobon.

I think my dilemma lies in the types of people I have been pursuing and my self-consciousness regarding how my family will react to such people. I am repulsed by a woman who cusses all the time; yet, that's also the same type of woman that I have found myself attracted to as well. Smoking is a huge red flag for me, but in today's day and age, smoking is so prevalent that even those I never thought smoked at all turn out to be smokers (AKA Dragons). Drinking is something I can handle in moderation, but the women I have chased after have this tendency to indulge a bit too much.

Now, I don't know that any of these things would bother me as much if I didn't have a child whose opinions I have to take into consideration every time I turn around. As a friend said the other night, I have to screen for both a partner for myself and motherly skills, even though I'm really not looking for a mother for my child. I'm a package deal, and with that status comes more considerations than many other singles.

So, what does all of this mean? Actually, I have no idea what it means other than the fact that I need to start making different choices regarding those whom I meet and how I meet them. The problem is, how do you meet single women who aren't going to end up being repulsive, annoying, and destructive to my psyche? If anyone has the answer to this question, please let me know. Until someone comes up with a good answer, I guess I will just have to learn to live as a single parent without a partner and provide my child with the best life possible.