I'd never met so many driven people in my life until I moved to Hong Kong. I’m always so impressed when people tell me about all the things they’ve accomplished (both on a personal and professional level), but there is a dark side to this ambition.

We’re so focused on what we can achieve, could have, and ideally be, that we’re not satisfied with who we are, what we have achieved, and already have. By discounting our past achievements, we don’t do ourselves justice. And by always being focused on the future, we may keep delaying or postponing our love lives until we’ve achieved the next milestone.

See also: Meet Asia's Top 50 Bachelors 

Hong Kong is all about the PBO (pending better offer). We’re always aiming for an upgrade, or at least reaching out for something novel. When we do that consistently, it becomes difficult to accept and enjoy what we have right here, even though it’s not perfect.

This attitude is perfectly fine with objects (who doesn’t want to get the new iPhone X) but it’s self-sabotage in the context of people. Remember, there is no perfect match.

The perfection in a relationship comes from sharing similar core values and the effort, time, and presence you nourish it with. The behavioural economist, Dan Ariely, has a great video on this subject (watch it here).

Hong Kong has its fair share of challenges and obstacles when it comes to dating, relationships, and love, but don’t let that discourage you. In my next column, I'll be sharing tips on how to maximise the online dating experience.

Ariadna Peretz is the founder of Maitre D'ate, a matchmaking agency for Hong Kong singles who want to fall in love. She also offers date concierge services, coaching, and online dating support.

See also: Love, Factually: In Conversation With Gray & Farrar