I have had my fair share of ups and downs when it comes to relationships. I recently became single, and it made me think about what I really want in a relationship. What kind of qualities do I look for in a guy beside just appearance and personality? I came up with six that I believe are extremely important when it comes to the person that you will spend forever with.

1. Marry the guy that supports and helps you.

There are going to be several days and times when you just can't seem to put one foot in front of the other. There will be some days that you just don't have it together. It's these times that you will need your partner there to pick you up when you fall. These are the times that you will need your partner there to brace your fall. This is when they will be there to brace your fall. This is what it's all about.

2. Marry the guy that believes in you.

There are so many things that go on in this world that are trying to destroy our confidence and faith. This is when you need your partner to reinforce their belief in you; it will enrich your life and relationship. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 God calls us to, "encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." This is so important.

3. Marry the guy that respects you.

How do you expect a marriage to last without respect? That's right, it won't. If you have no respect in your relationship or marriage, it will be destroyed. Respect is the cornerstone of a relationship/marriage. It is a necessity. Good communication, admiration, and trust are all built on the foundation of respect.

4. Marry the guy that puts himself second.

Look for a partner who is willing to put themselves second. When they put themselves second, your partner is showing their love for you in the purest form. In Philippians 2:3 it states, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

5. Marry the guy who prays for you and with you.

This is one of the most, if not the most, important for me. Prayer is so important. It is one of the most intimate and powerful things a couple can do together. It is possibly the greatest blessing when you are with someone who lifts you up daily in prayer. Being armed in prayer is the greatest defense in sustaining a long and happy marriage. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" Psalm 145:18.

6. Marry the guy that is your best friend.

Friendship is a vital part in a successful marriage. Yes, an instant "love connection" is great, but after a few years, you will definitely need a best friend in those moments in life when you need to laugh and when you a shoulder to cry on. You will need someone you can talk with about everything and anything. You will need someone who you can have no uncomfortable silence with. When you say "in sickness and in health, for better or for worse," it plays out a whole lot better when you are married to your best friend.