Perfectionism gives us unrealistic expectations for future spouse

"Another serious dimension of perfectionism is to hold others to our unrealistic, judgmental, or unforgiving standards. Such behavior may, in fact, deny or limit the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives and in the lives of others. For example, young single adults may make a list of desired qualities in a potential spouse and yet be unable to marry because of unrealistic expectations for the perfect companion.

"Thus, a sister may be unwilling to consider dating a wonderful, worthy brother who falls short on her perfectionist scale—he does not dance well, is not planning to be wealthy, did not serve a mission, or admits to a past problem with pornography since resolved through repentance and counseling.

"Similarly, a brother may not consider dating a wonderful, worthy sister who doesn’t fit his unrealistic profile—she is not a sports enthusiast, a Relief Society president, a beauty queen, a sophisticated budgeter, or she admits to an earlier, now-resolved weakness with the Word of Wisdom.

"Of course, we should consider qualities we desire in ourselves and in a potential spouse. We should maintain our highest hopes and standards. But if we are humble, we will be surprised by goodness in unexpected places, and we may create opportunities to grow closer to someone who, like us, is not perfect."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Of the Seventy, "Becoming Perfect in Christ," Ensign, July 2014
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/07/young-adults/becoming-perfect-in-christ?lang=eng

Assess the spiritual inclinations of the individuals you’re dating

"As you go through your dating and courting relationships, I would hope that you will assess the spiritual inclinations of the individuals you’re getting to know better. How is their testimony? How do they treat their parents? How do they treat their brothers and sisters? Do they respect authority? Do they love the Lord, His servants, and the scriptures? What plans do they have for their lives?

"It isn’t enough if they are handsome or beautiful, if they are rich or poor, what kind of car they drive, what kind of clothes they wear, what kind of athletic ability they have, or what kind of intellect they are. You should be seeking to understand the gifts they have that will be eternal in nature."

- Elder Robert D. Hales, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Gifts of the Spirit," Ensign, Feb 2002
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/02/gifts-of-the-spirit?lang=eng

Happiness may depend on birth, marriage, and career

“There are three great epochs in a man’s earthly life, upon which his happiness here and in eternity may depend, [namely], his birth, his marriage, and his choice of vocation.”

- David O. McKay, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, (2011), xvi
http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-david-o-mckay/the-life-and-ministry-of-david-o-mckay?lang=eng

Marriage brings greatest happiness

"There is a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness."

- President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2011
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/05/priesthood-power?lang=eng