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As the saying goes, if you keep chasing after the wrong people, you might lose a diamond while collecting stones.

Often in today's society, with our exposure to films, media and the Internet, we get a skewed perception of what to look for in a potential future boyfriend or girlfriend. We fall into the habit of liking traits we see in the media and try looking for them in people we meet in real life, all while possibly ignoring perfect people who come our way, just because they don't immediately "fit" into the person we think we're looking for.

It's not uncommon to hear about people regretting that they didn't accept someone's invitation to go out on a date earlier in their life, knowing the type of person they ended up becoming later.

The seemingly "incompatible" person you knew when you were younger might develop into the perfect boyfriend or girlfriend years later. You just don't know how people might change.

If you start noticing a trend with the people you're dating in that relationships don't last long, you always end up getting hurt, feel you're being cheated on, can't trust them or they don't treat you the way you deserve; then it's possible that you're looking for the wrong character type in people. Try looking for a completely different character type. You might not "click" right away, but there's every chance that you'll "click" a few dates later.

As we date and experience what different people are like, and as we get older, what we find attractive and interesting in a person changes. People all too often dismiss people of different characters because they don't fit the "norm", seem "different" or we presume they're incompatible with us; when in reality they might in fact be a perfect match if we just give them the chance.

One of the best tips of advice is to not necessarily dismiss someone right away without some consideration first. If you're single, and the person asking you out isn't an immediate turn-off, going on a date with them might be worth considering. You mightn't have much to lose, but everything to gain. Even if they turn out not be suitable as a potential boyfriend or girlfriend, you might find a great new friend and you'll expand your friendship and social circle.