So random question, but do you tend to be more or less selective when you're deciding whether to date someone?

I'm not talking about things that might legitimately be called deal breakers like issues re: children, smoking, drug used, etc.

I'm curious more about things like height, weight, political beliefs, shared interests/activities, etc.

The reason I ask is that I find that when I first started dating I would go out with someone just b/c they were nice and I was attracted to them. I didn't really bother thinking about whether we were compatible on deeper levels, it was enough that we had fun together.

But now I find myself becoming a lot more selective. I'm sure you have to chalk it up to wear and tear to some extent - I mean who wants to go from relationship to relationship without any indication that the time and emotion you invest initially might actually pay off down the line?

Of course if you're too selective then you risk losing out on great potential relationships just because initially it didn't look like you had that much in common.

But I've also noticed how many people get into relationships and are moderately happy and so they settle down (perhaps the key word there being settle), and they don't seem to have found the person who really meshes well with them. Sure you could probably find a guy or girl that you'd be happy with, but will that relationship be the best one you could ever have?

Anyway, not sure if this makes sense, but I was just wondering how selective people are before they are willing to date someone? Thoughts?