Question: Are We Compatible?

How do I determine whether or not I am compatible with another person?

Is there a way to keep me from wasting time with someone that isn't right for me?

There sure is!

If you take a close look and answer questions at each of the 

"5 C's of Compatibility", 

you'll have a pretty clear idea.

Chemistry

Chemistry focuses on how you naturally feel towards each other. There should be an unspoken emotional magnetism that brings the two of you closer together. This same magnetism will sometimes require a bit of force to separate you.
Consider the following questions:

Are each of you attracted to the other? 

Do you "click" when you are together? 

Does conversation flow naturally and seem to go on for hours?

Comparability

Comparability focuses on the things you have in common.  
"Birds of a feather flock together"
Focus on the person you are and the values that are important to you.
Think about your lifestyle and everything that makes you unique. 
Consider the following questions: 

In what ways are you similar? 

(Some similarities may be more important to you than others.)
Do you have a similar sense of humor, emotional temperament, values, lifestyle, etc.

Complimentarity

Complimentarity focuses on your differences. Since no two people are the same, there will always be differences. For compatibility reasons, some of those differences should be complimentary. A burger is different from fries, but because of their complimentarity they're sold together at millions of restaurants world wide.
Consider the following questions:

In what ways are you different?
Do any of your differences make you want to be a better person?
Do any of your differences make it easier for you to contribute to the relationship?
In what ways do your differences make you better together?

Communication

Communication focuses on the way each of you express yourselves. When there is a message that you want to send, there is likely a particular way you send that message. Communication also focuses on the way you generally receive messages given to you by others. How you receive feedback is generally referred to as "listening" or "receptivity".
Consider the following questions:

What are your communication styles?
Does "what you say" match "what you show" and "how you feel"?
Are each of you comfortable with communicating to each other?
How does each of you feel emotionally about the idea of communicating with each other?

Conflict Resolution

 Conflict Resolution focuses on the approach you take to addressing any disagreements. No two people always agree on everything, so when those disagreements (conflict) arise, it's important to have a similar approach to solving those disagreements (conflict), otherwise there may be additional disagreements (conflict) created.
Consider the following questions:

Does each of you feel free to be assertive with each other in resolving conflict?
(Assertive meaning "If I have something to say, I'm going to say it and I feel comfortable saying it!")
Do you each feel respected during the conflict resolution process?
Are you each willing to forgive?

If you don't have an answer to some of these questions, you may need to give yourself more time to get to know each other. However, a lack of answers should not be a reason to remain in a relationship where incompatibility has been identified in another area.