The Answer

You dramatically improve your chances if you find the right person first. 
Someone who has at least the potential to be that type of partner and don't be fooled easily. 
It's not just about beauty.
It's not just about love either. 

It is about those things but not only.  You also need someone that cares about and desires
to have good relationships and knows how to or at least has a very open, willing, enthusiasm to learn.

People are what they are and you can't make them into something that they are not or don't want to be. 
I'm not saying you won't make progress together and change for the better over the years.
But I am saying the one you choose needs to be the type of person that shows they could change
and adapt and that you could see  they are a person that can grow with you, get better, be flexible,
understand the sacrifice of self for the betterment, the wonder and the happiness of the relationship.  

Did you hear me? Above I said you have to find the right one.  Not make the right one.

How would find the right one?
Jump into a relationship with the first man/woman that comes along like you're on a deserted Island
with only Lizards, Super Mosquitos, Plants and Rocks.

No? Then...
Jump into a relationship with the first fine ass someone that you run into that thinks you're
beautiful too?  No! That might be the first thing you judge by but if it's all you judge by you
could be in for a lot of trouble down the road. 

You gotta be friends first!  In fact make friends before you even decide who will be the lucky person
that you settle down with. It's the perfect way to get to know someone with no reason for pretense.  
And if you are hoping for a serious committed relationship then you should be open as friends. 
Open about who you are past and present so that any potential partner can learn about who you
really are and if you're compatible.  And you should be totally honest!  Why?  Because first, you
want others to be honest with you and secondly because who wants to be with someone that loves
who you're pretending to be as opposed to who you really are?   Someone that's going DROP out
of love with you when they find out you aren't who they thought they married. 

These days the numbers are not in your favor.  You cannot afford to risk being in a relationship
with someone that you do not know who they really are, so enjoy your single status.  Have friends
and have fun.  Get know people before you decide if they are the one for you.  Then get ot know
them better.  And I believe, and you do have to have faith, that you will be happier now and later
in your future relationships!