You're 35, you've been dating for 15 years, and you're frustrated. Matchmakers continue to call, and they only annoy you. Your parents and friends offer no comfort. You hate the thought of going to the next bar mitzvah of your friend's children.

You feel that your life is slipping away. You start to listen to those who argue that it's better to be married and not always be happy than not to be married at all.

At this point, you may want to marry the next person who knocks on your door. That candidate may not match your list, but at this stage you can simply blame the inadequacies of the list and the confidant.

You've reached a dangerous stage.

Dating may sometimes be a difficult process. It does go faster for some than for others.

Do try to avoid making hasty decisions if you reach this stage.

What is a hasty decision?

You may say, "I waited this long. Marrying the next person is not being hasty. To the contrary, I postponed the decision for a long time."

This is a time when your thoughtful, calm confidant - or possibly another respected person - may be able to help you the most.