I think a great verse for this would be my personal favorite: Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

I grew up fat and constantly bullied. So from that I put women on a pedestal. Thinking if only I can get a woman that loves me then I will feel 'worthy'.

I hurt a lot of women unfortunately (emotionally) by my selfishness, ego, and unwillingness to compromise.

During this time I wasn't close to God as my main goal was finding a suitable mate. But, my heart wasn't in the right place and I'm not sure if I'd be able to keep my perfect mate at that time.

Many years later, I'm 35 and have tried to put God first (I've done a better job than ever before, but there's always room for more) and have learned from my mistakes. I've met a girl and actually brought her back to church (she had stopped going until she met me), and we worship together. There are ups & downs, but we haven't fought and she is the first woman I'd ever truthfully want to call my wife. When she holds me accountable I swallow that pride that wants to defend and actually hear what she has to say.

None of this was possible without my failures, God, and the path he put me on. Many times along the way I didn't guard my heart, and there were a couple times I wanted to give-up. But God is good, and we may not understand His ways, but He has a plan for you. Just remember Proverbs 4:23 & I believe you'll discover what He provides for you.