We all know how alarmingly high the divorce rate in this country, and there are countless factors that influence each individual case, but there are certainly some things you can do to increase the success of your marriage as you mingle in the dating pool.

It can be particularly important to find someone that shares your faith and moral values. While no marital union is absolutely divorce-proof, many studies indicate that two individuals of the same faith have a better chance of having a lasting marriage, and if your beliefs are a top priority in your life, then it inevitably makes sense that you would want to share that most important aspect with your life partner.

So how can you make your religion or spirituality a way to connect with potential partners without being overbearing? This advice may be able to help you.

First off, where you search for dates will make all the difference. There is nothing wrong with going out to a club or to a bar to flirt and have fun, and you never know who you will meet, but these aren't the best environments to reliably find someone of your spiritual preferences.

That doesn't mean your local church, synagogue, or mosque should be your exclusive dating meat market, however. While you should certainly be forming friendships and fellowshipping in your congregation which obviously may ultimately lead to romance, you can also investigate other outlets, such as specialized online dating sites, clubs at your university or junior college, or interfaith organizations in your community.

Being single also doesn't mean you should stunt yourself. Make sure that you are focusing on your personal goals and aspirations, and many opportunities to meet like-minded people are bound to crop up. I love to travel and I cherish my faith, so I looked into faith tours to blend the two. Not only did I come away from the experience with close friends, I also had a great basis to begin dating and romantic relationships with the others participating in Christian singles travel.

Look for chances to serve in your neighborhood. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or participating in similar activities will not only give you a sense of fulfillment and productivity, it will also increase the possibility of meeting someone with the same moral values you hold.

Shared faith should not, of course, be your only criteria for a lifelong partner. Virtually every religion teaches us that humans have flaws, and religious practices can even cover up some serious problems. So remember to get to know your partner carefully--and don't forget to enjoy your single life while it lasts!