What are the TOP 5 ‘must have’ qualities that your potential partner MUST have before you would even consider a long term relationship with them.
has a pleasant face and disposition
is physically active
is intellectually challenging
is compassionate and caring
enjoys emotional and physical intimacy
I didn't have to say "politically liberal" because it's already there.
@LetzGetReal you're right. oops.
Intelligent
Kind
Good sense of humour
Honest
Non-smoker/drug-user
Not really looking for another partner, but they would definitely need to be all of the above to even begin to excite my interest. I haven’t mentioned religion because I am used to everyone I mix with already having a belief in god...this would present no problem to me, they could believe what they like as long as they didn’t try to convert me.
Offensive humor
A degree of understanding of different walks of life
High ambitions
Low expectations
& A collaborative attitude
This is the answer that will come back to hunt me..... I'll keep those 5 to myself
Humor, loyalty, intelligence, honor, bat shit craziness....just sayin
There's so much that interlocks for compatibility in a good relationship, so ultimately any list of must-haves is woefully incomplete. With that said, here's my best attempt:
Like I said, there's so much that goes into a relationship that this barely scratches the surface — but it's a good enough starting place, I think.
Must be HONEST, trustworthy, intelligent, someone that can have intellectual/deep convos and someone that shares my values (ie non-religious, emapathetic/humanstic, liberal or left leaning, only believes in science and not woo or spiritual BS, doesn't want kids, etc.)
@Sealybobo well I have had relationships with people I just got along with, but over time realized I needed more... maybe you are okay with dating simpletons but I no longer am. no skin off your back though, so no worries.
@Sealybobo I had that option with men (self proclaimed models tried to get me to date them) but a pretty face/body is not good enough.... if I was in the hookup culture or had a high sex drive and slept with or was sexually attracted to any handsome person, that would work. But I am none of those things and part of the bonding to another person, for me, is intellectual conversations
@LetzGetReal Yes ... I love my dogs ... always shared my life with at least one GSD.
Your husband must have been a good man ..to talk with anyone you meet is a skill - few ever sit and talk with the homeless yet some have a great story to tell. Am sure he was equally fortunate to share your life and learn from you
1- Love the outdoors
2- Hate drama
3- Love Animals
4- Hate drama
5- Be relatively fit
Must:
#1 be an atheist (not believe in a god) via intellectual strength and honesty
#2 be fiscally responsible.
#3 not be addicted (or a heavy user of) non-prescription drugs, or alcohol
#4 be reasonably healthy:
a) able to traverse through life's obstacles (physical and emotional) to keep up with my active physical mobility
b) mentally healthy including not being a tRump supporter
#5 equal my level of kindness, empathy, honesty, and respect for truth over fiction asserted as Truth.
My 20 year old self, and my now 50ish self would disagree on what I look for.
Well even my 30, and 40 yo selves would as well.
I think at my age the one thing I really look for is stimulation. I don't just mean looks, although that has a tad to do with it. but I mean conversation, interests, sense of humor, desire to learn and explore.
In my younger years I will admit that looks were about 98% of it. But I've learned over the years that my forementioned attributes hold much more weight. To that I've learned that having a great connection with everything else ends up making them more attractive. If that makes any sense.
IT does and it is a version of the halo effect, the more one gets to know someone and likes the person the more attractive they become in your eyes.
Interesting question. Off the top of my head, I'd say kindness, inquisitiveness, intelligence, attractiveness to me, and a great fondness for me.
Besides the obvious, like mutual physical attraction, sense of humor, intelligence, some common interests, etc., my five dealbreakers are: Not politically conservative, not strongly religious, not very family-oriented (includes not being wrapped up in seeing their grandkids all the time), not a big fan of country music, and finally, no addiction issues or being a big drinker. Also would not get along well with someone for whom sports is the center of their social life, which, in Iowa is pretty common with women who are big on college sports as the center of their social life. I like some sports, but prefer other, more intellectual stuff for my usual entertainment.
I have a big 2, no compromise pair then a bunch that are more guidelines. The big two are:
-Uncommonly intelligent.
-They seek the right answer, rather than seek to be right.
After that there are a few, not in any special order:
-Fit. A smart, fit woman....oh my
-Optimistic, happy disposition
-No mental health issues
-Needless to say, no racists, bigots, anti-semitics, etc. That pretty much eliminates Republicans and Trumpies
-Interesting
-Not needy
-Trustworthy, and they trust me
being trustworthy is a must
mutuel respect
no religious beliefs
enjoys sex
a great sense of humour