Less than perfect fairy tale

Sometimes I think that more than other grown ups, I have a fairy tale fantasy of how things should be. Ever since I was a kid, I've dreamed of the perfect wedding, coming home to a white picket fence, cat and 2.2 kids (how does that work, anyway?). When someone asks what I'm looking for, I don't skip a beat: I almost have a handy checklist that details my perfect partner. Hair and eye color, height, religion, education, career, interests, the list goes on. Hmmm that's how I came to choose The Ex-Hubby, the supposedly Mr. Right who turned out to be Mr. Wrong 14 years later. So, I guess wrong and right are relative. Right today, wrong tomorrow?

Belle of the Party told me over our dinner at Sahara Tent in Bukit Bintang on Friday night, while it's great to have standards — Hey, I shouldn't have to settle, after all — there's one slight glitch in my master plan: No one has made the grade in real life — at least not yet.

That gem of a best friend said, "Next time you're out with someone, keep yourself from mentally checking that list, and give love — and others — a chance. That special someone who you've written off may be perfect for you after all..."

Yeah, I know, I know...every fool knows you can't touch the stars, but it doesn't stop even the wisest of men (and women) from trying. I'll wish upon a star...