Potential
This word can be used in different ways. Some examples, “I met with five potential candidates” (possible or capable of becoming) OR “She shows great potential” (capacity for growth) OR “There is a high potential for rain today” (possibility of an event). One place the word ‘potential’ should be used carefully is in evaluating a relationship. To clarify, in the beginning of the relationship be optimistic about the potential but as time goes on if all you are doing is ‘chasing the potential’ you are headed for trouble. You need to focus on the now, the reality of the relationship and not what it might be or could be potentially. Base your decisions on your observations - in other words, date their behavior. Be optimistic but if you are simply running after the ‘potential’ relationship you risk disappointment and failure.