Fool-Proof Guide for Girls Who Are Sick of Dating and Want a Serious Relationship ...

Dating can be lots of fun, but it can also be an exercise in futility, frustration, and general asshattery. Some people are happy to date for the rest of their lives, or at least for the foreseeable future. Others are officially D-O-N-E with the whole dating game and they're ready to settle down into something serious and long term. Can you identify? If so, here's an epic, foolproof guide for every girl who's sick of dating and wants a serious relationship instead.

1 Finding a Partner Can Take a Lot of Time

Just because you're ready to stop dating casually, that doesn't mean that your One True Love will show up automatically, so don't walk into this endeavor thinking that will happen.

2 You've Got to Be Really Patient

In fact, it's a great time to start practicing patience because you're going to need a LOT of it.

3 Be Selective, Especially if You Want a Really Serious Relationship

Even though you're ready to settle down, that doesn't mean that you have to settle FOR the person you're settling down WITH.

4 Settling is Not an Option

Seriously, cannot stress this point enough – you do not have to settle, not ever.

5 Choose Someone That You'll Have Things in Common with

Opposites may attract but it's so fulfilling to have some sort of common ground with your partner.

6 Also, It Doesn't Hurt to Have Similar Backgrounds

That's not to say you have to specifically look for someone who grew up in the same town or practices the same religion, though – having similar backgrounds could mean something as simple as both of you coming from close-knit families.

7 You'll Want Someone That Has the Same Morals as You

This is a big one, though, because clashing over morals or values can sometimes mean the death of your relationship.

8 They Have Got to Make You Laugh

Can you even begin to imagine having a long term relationship with someone who never makes you laugh?

9 You Might Go on a Lot of First Dates

You've gotta kiss a lot of frogs to find the prince(ss), after all.

10 There Might Even Be Some Almosts out There

You'll probably totally fall for a guy or girl, or be right on the cusp of doing so, only to have things end for some reason – don't let that discourage you.

11 But Remember, It'll Be Worth It in the End

Besides, those almosts can teach you something about yourself that will ultimately enrich the relationship you end up entering.

12 Friendship First is One Proven Way to Make Your Relationship Last

Being friends first gives you a strong foundation from the start, which is so, so important.

13 Be Yourself around Anyone

If you can't be yourself around a potential partner, then all that potential flies out the window – that is not the person for you.

14 Insert Your Friends in the Mix Early on

They're important to you, after all, plus they can give you some perspective – and it always helps when your friends like your new boo.

15 Also Your Family

See above, although your family is usually even more invested in making sure that someone's a good person as well as a good fit.

16 If a Guy Can Handle That? He's the One

Guy or girl, anyone who can handle the family scene is a winner.

17 Don't Waste Your Time if You Know It Won't Work from the Beginning, Leave

It's sometimes hard to tell someone you're not into them, but really, aren't you tired of wasting time on someone you won't even end up with?

Have any of you decided to ditch the dating game in favor of something more serious? Let us know in the comments!