Compromises?

When are you supposed to compromise? I know there are times when compromising is the only way to make things work in some circumstances. When it comes to dating can you compromise who your looking for and make it work? I tried it once and it turned out a horrible mess. The guy I dated was not my type at all, I didn't find him attractive, and his character flaws was way out there. I wanted a relationship so much that I overlooked it all just to be with someone. Is there a way to become a happy single person? I know there are people out there that can be single and happy but I have never been that type of person. In a way I wish I could become that, but I just want someone special to spend my life with and have someone to come home to. Can a relationship started on compromises last? I just feel that if you compromise everything from the beginning then there would be no way that it could last for very long.