To change or not to change?

I've been thinking a lot lately about a friend who is trying to decide whether to date or not to date certain people. My feeling is this: If you know what qualities you desire in a person that you would potentially spend the rest of your life with, don't waste your time on those who do not have those qualities you desire. This thinking may seem a bit harsh toward those who think they reserve the right for someone to give them a chance, get to know them before discounting them, however, life is too short to be wasting time on someone who clearly doesn't have what you want. A person might say, " I can change into what you want." " I can quit smoking and drinking." " I can be a nice person." "I can learn to be compassionate." The truth is a person cannot change his character and should never try to change his behaviors just for the purpose of trying to attract a certain kind of person. A person can be introspective and try to see where he needs to make changes within himself for himself. If a person, for instance, is not by nature a kind and considerate person and discovers its something he really wants to change about himself, by all means give it a go. But, if its not in his nature and he is constantly battling with himself to exhibit this kind of character, over timie it becomes too difficult to continue the lie. So I say know what you want in a life partner and stick with it. Become the person YOU want to be, the person you know you should be for you! :)