On a planet of more than five billion, there can't be only one Mr. or Miss Right out there. In fact, there may be no perfect matches, only our ability to give love freely and honestly, and hope that in some small measure we will receive love in reply.

Once upon a time, there were matchmaking periodicals, and for a free one could publish a personal ad soliciting replies. Most of these publications have folded, to be replaced by the more-immediate Internet. There are now many websites; some charge for a membership, some don't. But although the speed and ease in posting a personal ad has increased, he distance between the parties hasn't. It is still 800 miles from Atlanta to Trenton, and travelling that distance by whatever mode still takes time and money. I know this first-hand.

How can you really know, fur sure, whether someone is your soul mate or life partner, when you are separated by time and distance? How can someone compete against other potential suitors who may be local? How far is too far? Would you span the ocean blue, if you knew the man or woman on the other side would bring true happiness?