My explanation...for Brian.
I firmly believe that one can have a great relationship with anyone as long as their is good communication. Kindness, consideration and effort is a must too but without communication, even the best of relationships are doomed to failure. Another important aspect of any relationship is that you only get back what you're willing to put in.
It's more pleasant to be with someone you like and get along with than someone that you love but that you aren't well suited for. Now, while that spark is important, I realize that that sometimes comes later.
I know myself, I know my needs, my wants, etc. and I'm not afraid to voice them but I'm not so stuck in my ways that I'm not open to things that may be different than what I expected. I'm open and honest; all one has to do is ask. But, when getting to know people, things aren't always what they seem and some clouds have a really terrific silver lining.

My commitment marker is sex. Once I've slept with someone, they're stuck with me because if things have gotten that far, I've decided there's some potential there. Therefore, I always make sure I know what the other person's expections, goals and wants are first. I'm not into casual sex.
So, what I mean by a "serial monogomist" is that I tend to go from one commited relationship to the next. I date multiple people until I find someone that has potential and then I see where it goes...I don't keep looking while I'm giving someone a chance. I keep myself way too busy to try to keep track of multiple people. I just can't do it when I have 3 kids and a bazillion critters to take care of too. Besides, in my experience, if you're "looking," you don't find it anyway. People aren't attracted to "looking." It's when you aren't looking that what you want comes along. LOL!
My history over the past 9 years: I spent 5 years married, had two sons. Just after my husband and I split up, I met my ex and that lasted 2 1/2 years. Most recent was a boyfriend that last 6 months but didn't work out. I tend not to stay un-coupled for very long, as I am happier when I have a partner and I'm a fairly like-able person.
Make sense? LOL!