I think for most of us, living the single life, finding someone that can stand us, getting hitched and then popping out a few chalupas is a reasonable expectation.  The majority of us have even been conditioned to believe that there’s a general timeline involved.  However, with the state of interpersonal relationships today, is a timeline still viable?

Personally, I’m not a believer in “the one.”  There is no ONE predestined partner for everyone and the notion that you are supposed to find this person by the time you’re 26 or 27 is a bit archaic.  Life is hectic and unpredictable.  People are getting married further down the road and having children at older ages.  The world has become a place that celebrates independence and the indulging of our expectations.  They say that life is too short to settle … and why should you, with something as important as the person you’re *supposed* to spend the rest of your days with?
I certainly can’t speak to, nor would I ever try to judge why people get divorced or how the definition of “family” has changed a great deal over the past 50 years.  However, I’d speculate that the change is a sign of things to come.  The way we settle down, the age when we’re expected to do so and how we define family has already shifted.  That which was once unacceptable is now becoming the norm.
Like anyone, I hope to eventually find my counterpart, like Fiona is to Michael.  Maybe it’ll happen and maybe it won’t.  But if it does, it won’t matter to me whether I’m 33 or 65.  I think one has a way of knowing when the gig is legit and until I ever feel that way again, I won’t be worried about some perceived clock.  Sure, life is short and I believe that we should all take shots at the opportunities that lay before us.  However, love isn’t like basketball.  There are no shot clocks.  I figure it’s better to take a shot at something you care about than forcing a bad shot because you think you’re running out of time.
Despite my two cents, remember that it’s always about what’s right for YOU.  Whether you’ve found the person that inspires you to be a better man or you’re still in the hunt, I wish you the best, gentlemen, in getting your love-on in 2012.
“So how does it happen, great love?  Nobody knows … but what I can tell you is that it happens in a blink of an eye.  One moment you’re enjoying your life, and the next you’re wondering how you ever lived without them.” – Alex Hitchens
By the way, thanks for the ideas, “Uncle Jaime.”