The Value Proposition of a Successful Partner

Today's consumers are a lot more selective. I believe this holds true for our relationships also. We need, want, and expect more out of our relationships. And I think that as education levels increase, so does our self-awareness and expectations.
When I first meet someone, I immediately notice the packaging. That is my superficial side. That is the side of me like likes the shiny materials. That excitement lasts as long as a kid's attention span for a new toy. After the initial attraction there has to be something else that keeps my attention. That is where the total value proposition of a partner comes in. The total value is the sum of their character, compatibility, friendship, relationships with other, values, and their experiences. All of these things must mesh with your value system. It would be very hard to compromise on the major things in life. Your value compatibilty will play a major factor in the success or failure of your relationship.
If you go into business for yourself, you have to do everything. You run the business, hire employees, and handle the books. You also assume all of the risks and reap all of the rewards. When you bring a partner into the business, you should be easing the load on yourself. You have someone that helps run the business, that assumes some of the risks, and shares in the profits. When you are single, you are running your own business. You handle all of your bills. You keep yourself entertained. You live only for yourself, good or bad. When you bring a significant other into your life, that person is supposed to help ease the load a little. That person shares in the hard times and the good times. Hopefully the synergy of the relationship should also be more then the sum of the wholes.
Anyways, I guess I am still single because I haven't found a quality partnership. I get sucked into the pretty packaging to find that the person is lacking substance. As a discerning customer, it would be silly to not test out the marketplace. There are so many options out there. And hopefully that perfect partnership will present itself when the time is right.