"Basically people need to have common interests and common goals in life and they (should be) good at communicating with each other," said limited licensed psychologist Joe Kuchenbuch at Battle Creek's Psychological Consultants of Michigan.

Naturally, most people will look for someone they enjoy being around and who will help them move forward in life, but Kuchenbuch said it may take a year or more to get beyond infatuation.

Take David Hunter, 28, and Colleen Ellis, 29. The Battle Creek couple dated three years before getting engaged.

Hunter wanted to finish college before getting married, but admitted it took time learning how to communicate their true feelings. Ellis agreed.

"There were some rough spots when we first started dating, but I think we've learned to talk to each other better," she said. read more