I have come to conclude....

that there are certain principles of relationships that are the same irrespective of the identity of the parties involved.

1) Never let emotions or a perceived deadline rush you into a decision that you might later regret.
2) Do not judge an individual on their appearance. Ever.

I made both mistakes today.

Ok, let's be honest, I've made both mistakes millions of times. But today was the first time that I made the mistake in such quick succession that it made me realize that I might be generating trouble for myself in a few weeks time.

The beauty of this is that it does not only apply in the situation of picking a partner for a final assignment... but that it works for almost every social interaction imaginable where you have to make a decision to pick a person... for whatever reason.

Scenario 1:
You are getting old and getting pressure everywhere that you should get married. You succumb to this FALSE (fume for a bit) pressure and rush out to find a woman in your social circle. There are many potential suitors, but one that you're not entirely sure of. She's there, but you've never really gotten to know her and she doesn't come across as particularly appealing. You pick out of the limited pool of women left and get engaged. (Yes the scenario is absurd.)

A day later you get a chance to hang out with the other girl. You find out that in fact she's perfect. But of course the commitment is already made. (I've already established that the situation is somewhat absurd... is it really that difficult to imagne a final decision in this...geez. Haters.)

Scenario 2:
You are a businessman looking for a partner. There are potential people out there, but not many as others in your circle of influence are beginning to seize other opportunities. There is one person that you're not so sure of, and another that you know very well what you're going to get... but also not sure of. Feeling a false sense of pressure to decide quickly, you go with the one that you know what you're getting.

At a business lunch later that day, you find out the other person was perfect. But of course it's too late. The contracts signed and its done.

Scenario 3:
Girls. You all know what I'm talking about. I don't feel like typing out a 3rd scenario.

Moral of the story. I'm an idiot.

But of course, we all knew that already didn't we?