it starts with trying to ignore the superficial indices of value — attractiveness, wealth — in favor of hidden attributes with a stronger correlation to long-term relationship success.

This just in, you're more likely to have a long lasting relationship when it's based on compatible personality and caring about one another, more news at 11.

And is it possible to make thoughtful, strategic choices when it comes to relationships?

Damn, I sure hope so.

one that is not so much about lowering standards as giving yourself better ones.

Hey, this is something I can agree with. You're not "lowering your standards", usually, you're just accepting the qualities another person has, and the fact that you can't morph them into the bubbles that you want them to be in.