6. Open door to love Make sure both front door of your home and door to your bedroom open easily and completely. Doors that stick, squeak, or that only open partway because of all stuff stored behind them are blocking flow of romantic energy and opportunity into your home. A loose doorknob on your bedroom door could mean you're having a hard time "getting a handle on" romance; get out your screwdriver and tighten it up.

7. Create a path for chi Walk slowly from your front door to your bedroom, pretending that you are a gentle river of chi. Look for any areas where furniture or other belongings are stopping or slowing flow of chi, or where chi is diverted away from bedroom to other areas of house. Clear a path so fresh chi can find its way to your bedroom and nourish your love life. Make sure all lights along this route are working, replace any burned-out bulbs, and be alert for dark or dingy corners where you can increase energy by adding more light.

8. Move your bed If one side of your bed is against wall, person who sleeps on that side may feel confined or disempowered in relationship. If possible, place bed so there is equal space on either side, so you and your partner can find equal enjoyment in relationship. The ideal position of bed will be on opposite side of room from door, but not directly in line with it. If you can't see bedroom door from bed, hang a mirror where it will provide a reflected view of entry.

9. Bring romance chi into bedroom Be sure to place romantic imagery in these two key places in bedroom: wall opposite foot of bed (where you naturally look when lying in bed), and whatever area of room you first see when you enter. Beautiful, romantic artwork is always good, as are fresh or silk flowers and anything in pairs (such as birds, cherubs, candles, or decorative pillows). A round mirror is also good for bedroom, as shape signifies completion and unity. Look around your home for whatever says "romance" to you, and find a good spot for it in your bedroom.

10. Clarify your intention Make a collage of images that symbolize your perfect relationship, and place it where you will see it every day. If you are already in a relationship, invite your partner to make a collage with you, to represent your intention to build a joyful and loving future together.

Copyright © 2002 Stephanie Roberts

This article is based on information in book Fast Feng Shui for Singles: 108 Ways to Heal Your Home and Attract Romance (Lotus Pond Press, Kahului, HI, ISBN 1-931383-04-9), also available at Amazon.com.

6. How optimistic is this person ?

Optimism is facilitator of all emotional intelligence competencies. In addition, optimists live longer, enjoy better health, heal more quickly, and accomplish more. Emotions are contagious, and optimism is a forcefield you want in your life. It can be learned ( http://www.susandunn.cc/courses.htm ).

7. Be intentional and expect it in your partner.

Intentionality is an EQ competency that means saying what you mean and meaning what you say. It also means being accountable for motives behind your actions. You’ll need to be in touch with this yourself, and have a partner who is as well, because partnering requires a commitment, i.e., Intentionality. Intentionality means you’re not "allowed" to say, "I didn’t mean to ..." High-level skill. Good one to look for.

8. Consider level of your intended partner’s resilience.

You’ll be together a long time, through ups and downs, and life can throw some curves. How do they manage adverse events and setbacks? Do they bounce back eventually? Have they been able to grow through adversity, not just go through it?

9. How do you and your partner manage anger--your own anger and that of other?

Studies show that most successful couples are those who are able to soothe one another instead of agitating and escalating in an argument.

10. How balanced is their life?

Do they combine learning, working and leisure? Studies show that people who die in their 5th and 6th decade have this life trajectory: school, then work, then leisure. Resilient seniors combine all three during all stages of life. You'll want one you love to be around a long time!