If you were asked to name at least one girlfriend who was looking for Mr. Right but she became depressed, lonely, frustrated and impatient and chose Mr. Right Now, you would no doubt answer without hesitation. I say with a bit of cynicism, naming at least "one" when I'm sure you could name several. I hope you're not one of them. Going for Mr. Right Now is settling and compromising.

Do not think I am passing judgment. I've dated a few Mr. Right Now's in my life but they were a means to an end. I wasn't looking, waiting or trying to find anyone. I most definitely wasn't looking for marriage material. I was hardly marriage material myself. During that period in my life, the "M" word was thought of as a death sentence. It would be the death of my unrestricted freedom! I loved then as I do now, not answering to anyone. I was too fickle and independent thinking to merge the decisions about my life with another's. I didn't want commitment.

That kind of thinking still lingers and again, I find myself without a mate and yet again, I am enjoying where I was in my 20's and early 30's. Because I do not believe there is a Mr. Right doesn't mean you're wrong if you do. "Having" requires a belief. This article is directed to those of you who will accept the first two-legged man breathing that crosses your path. Mr. Right Now won't make you any happier or more fulfilled. It will appear that way for a short time and superficially but you will know you have compromised and settled. My question to you: "Why do either?"

I know loneliness can be emotionally painful. I also know, there are far too many causes without enough hands, legs and voices. There are senior citizens in Assisted Living facilities who are hurting because of loneliness. There are infants and children in hospitals and shelters who do not have options and may never experience a normal life. There are pregnant teens who need guidance and instruction; love and compassion. You are needed. Forget the ever elusive Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now!

If you were to shine the spotlight on someone else and not yourself, Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now would not have priority in your life. It is when we reach out to someone else that we discover our needs are being met. We also discover it is in giving that we receive the biggest gift. We feel empowered by realizing our ability to help others.

You could be all someone has to make them feel loved. There is no compromise in the gift of giving. As we approach this Thanksgiving season, relinquish all thoughts of Mr. Right and abandon your contemplation of Mr. Right Now. There are others who are hurting and need you, right now!

Your gift can continue throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. Statisticians have recorded more suicides and attempted suicides during this time of year than any other. Be a blessing and you will be blessed.

© 2006 Avis Ward

Avis Ward is an aspiring writer who enjoys writing about her spirituality, self-improvement, relationships, and women's issues. She is an Orthodontic Consultant. http://avisward.com/ Avis invites you to view her blog.