What Men Want...Really

I was reading an article about "what men really want" in a relationship, but the problem was it was written by a woman and it didn’t really resonate with me. A few nights later some guy friends of mine and I started talking about it, and we came to the general consensus that she was right some of the time but also wrong some of the time too. It seemed like a good time for a little research, so I took mental notes of what was said. So here now is a modified version of that topic, but with the input of 5 men (2 married, 1 single with a girlfriend, and 2 single without a girlfriend) basically thinking what we as men want in a relationship.

What We Want

• Low Maintenance – This was an across the board pick. Not to say that we don't want women to not look good, but we don’t want them to spend forever getting ready. We are more than willing to help do things, but we do not want to be expected to do everything for you. Being a partner does not equal slave or care-giver (or eternal purse holder).
• Gentle and Kind – If we wanted rough and manly, then we would just hang out with each other. All of us agreed that a sensitive, gentle, and caring woman is someone who will love us the way we want to be loved.
• Attractive - This is a broad range answer but the bottom line is we want someone who takes pride in how she looks and is confident about themselves (confidence is VERY sexy). Other than that, it varies as to what we all find attractive as we have different types.
• A Challenge – We want someone who pushes us a little to do more in life. This isn’t someone who nags or complains, but a partner who wants to try new stuff and keep us from forming ruts.
• Funny - You don’t have to be a stand up comic, but we all agreed a woman who laughs and likes silly humor is just more fun.
• Supportive – Three of us said we want a woman who has our back and will support us when we need her. Two of us said they don’t want a woman who just criticizes us, but all of us are actually saying the same thing.

What We Don’t Want

• Angry Women – People who are tense, shout, and get frustrated really easily are a no-go...no matter how beautiful you are.
• Untrustworthy – Someone who could stab us in the back or break our heart is out of the running.
• Being Alone – Bottom line, we like to have someone with us and we usually will put up with a lot if we think that person is worth it.

Really, it's not a big list. I am sure guys in different phases of life will have different wants. But these are the things my friends and I agreed on for likes and dislikes when looking for a woman for the long term...

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