Relationships are like pearls in the making; ongoing and developing depth and luster and brilliance. Past relationships are a string of pearls, whether or not each of those pearls was fully developed over time.

Question
1. What pearls do you look for when assessing whether a person’s history indicates that their character is the right investment of your remaining years?

Thanks for your feedback.

I think how they speak of their ex is important because if they are always badmouthing them then chances are you'll be in that same boat someday! They don't have to like them but they also don't have to say bad things about them to let the fact that they don't like them be known.

Wise observations...both. Thank you.

One of the things I look into is how many relationships has he been in? Does he jump from one relationship to another? Or if he's been married several times, that's a red flag for me. Also, if he has kids, how involved is he in their life? I have a hard time wanting to be with someone who doesn't take an active role in their child's life. And I know there will be people who disagree with me, but there is no excuse not to be involved in their life. You can find a way if you try hard enough and don't give up.

I totally agree!

Wise to guard your heart, and hearts of children.
The evidence of being unsettled is an indicator that you consider.
I agree that there is a way to become involved with the children's life, even after they are grown. The effort matters.
Thank you, for your input.

To sum, thus far:
1. Speak well of your ex. (cultured pearl)
2. Show longevity in relationships (big pearl)
3. Be involved with offspring (shiny pearl)

That's a string of 3 pearls. No doubt about it.

If a person has 2 of the 3 pearls, then what?
This seems to present an opportunity, for items 1 and 3 can be remedied, but item 2 cannot be other than it is.

In a world full of lab-created pearls, I tend to shop for a genuine pearl. One that has allowed the sands of time to shape and mold it into the unique treasure that it is. A pearl wrapped so tightly in it's own shell, with little exposure to the world around it, will not be capable of sharing it's own brilliant and true color, or fully appreciate and understand the sand in my shell.

Genuine, open to what life has to offer, and able to shine ~ either on a strand or as a solitary gem ~ that's a rare and precious find!

I like pearls, but I love to inlay using mother of pearl.

Single pearls are a hot item.
The setting should enhance the pearl, and vice versa.

good communication skills is very important

also his relationship with his children and family


these would be the first things i would look at

Symbolism for Mother of Pearl is "fertility and rebirth"...perhaps useful in artistry?

Career path/history

Can they hold a job for a significant period of time?
Or do they blame the same "people" at each different job for why they leave.

Logical you. Good communication skills influence the relationship with children (especially) and family.

I noticed in a thread today, about work, and whether people like their career/work.
Determination to succeed is a good characteristic for anyone.
I had not thought of this as important to the relationship. Thanks.

Speaking of settings...did you PLAN the pearl ads that are popping up on your post? Very clever!

I am blessed with good fortune rather than being clever enough to bring it about.


To sum, thus far:
1. Speak well of your ex. (cultured pearl)
2. Show longevity in relationships (big pearl A)
3. Be involved with offspring (shiny pearl)
4. Use communication skills (luminescent pearl)
5. Have stable/successful work history (big pearl B)

The string of pearls is up to 5.