Being an expat in China can be a lonely thing. You might think it would be nice to have someone to chat with while waiting for movies to download, or a partner to go discover everything this seat of civilization has to offer. But, is it worth it?

As an expat, it is pretty common not to stay in one place for very long. Whether you are doing a short stint as a teacher during a gap year, or making your way around China city-by-city, putting down long-term roots usually doesn't fit into the picture.

So, what's the point in trying to get involved in a serious relationship?

I have two friends who I consider the perfect couple. I was surprised when I found out one of them was moving back home to Australia and the other was getting a new job here in Beijing. At the going-away party, I saw all their friends and the life they made together in full bloom. However, this flower was wilting.

Every time I start to feel that pang of loneliness or long for someone to love me and show me attention, I tell myself to snap out of it. Even if I met someone today, who knows what my tomorrow looks like? I want to be able to focus on my goals without having someone who may cause me to change my mind or make sacrifices to make the relationship work. In a fast-paced city like Beijing, it is hard enough to find time to do things for myself, let alone trying to fit in the wants and needs of someone else.

I am not saying it is impossible. I just think that if you find someone and want to make it more official or serious, there are some things you need to consider.

First, you need to realize that the relationship may have a timestamp, so keep it light. Second, don't compromise your dreams just to make someone happy today; you may regret it tomorrow. You should also make sure if you are entering into a relationship that you both understand each other's goals and dreams so you don't find yourself being the one costing your significant other the chance to live on their own terms.

Date, go out and have fun, but remember love can make people do crazy things.

You don't want to look back on your experience as an expat and regret that you didn't do something or achieve what you wanted because you were made stupid by cupid.

This article was published on the Global Times Metropolitan section Two Cents page, a space for reader submissions, including opinion, humor and satire. The ideas expressed are those of the author alone, and do not represent the position of the Global Times.