12 Things Every Woman Should Hold Out For

Every woman has her own expectations from her partner, and all women have their own character traits that they find attractive in a potential mate. Unfortunately, some women make the mistake of not being able to look deep enough to find the positive attributes that can give a relationship more meaning. Some women can’t see beyond the book’s cover, and end up engaging in a relationship based on superficial factors. These relationships never have the staying power to make it through the long haul.

What should you definitely look for in a potential partner?

Good Looks

Good looks may be subjective to a large extent, but physical attraction is important. That feeling you get when an attractive man walks into the room is nature’s way of signaling to you that you may have a strong physical chemistry with him. Chemistry is important, but it won’t go very far if the guy does not have other important qualities as well. Beauty has to run deep, and no matter how attracted you are to his outer beauty, if he is not a good person on the inside, then it’s time to move on.

Financially Stable

And while there’s nothing wrong with dating a man who has money, it should never be the main criteria on your list of things you want in a man. Money without substance is not enough to make a relationship last. Material goods will only go so far, and all the exotic vacations, diamonds and pearls in the world won’t make up for a man who is never there or one who treats you poorly when he is.

What Women Should Hold Out For

All women should hold out for a man who possesses all of the important qualities that make a relationship work. There are 12 traits that all women should look for in a potential mate.

Someone Who Understands You

Someone Who Respects You

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many women make the mistake of getting involved with a man who exhibits some disrespectful behaviors in the hopes that those behaviors will go away in time as he gets to know her. This is a big dating no-no. If a man doesn’t respect your from day one, he is never going to respect you. In fact, over time, he is likely to become even more disrespectful and even dangerous, as abusive men tend to escalate their true selves over time. By going along with a rude man who doesn't respect your feelings or time, you signal that you're OK with that — instead, run for the hills! Block him!

Someone You Can Trust

Trust is at the top of the list of qualities a woman should hold out for. Trust takes a long time to build and can be shattered by one bad decision. If you are involved with a man that you can trust, your relationship will have the foundation to evolve and withstand just about any issues that crop up over time. But if you can’t trust him, the relationship is doomed. If a man not only earns your trust, but continues to put in efforts to keep it, he may just be a keeper.

Someone Who Treats You the Way You Want to Be Treated

Hold out for a man who treats you the way you want to be treated, not just the way he wants to treat you. If these are not one and the same, then move on. It’s really that simple. We spend so much time with our partners. Do you really want to spend time with the guy your dating 20 years down the road? If that's a no, then really, breakup now.

Someone Who Can Make You Laugh

Humor is important in a relationship. If you find a man who can make you laugh, he will be able to lift your spirits during hard times. He doesn’t have to be a regular stand-up comedian, but the guy you choose should have a personality that allows him to lighten the mood when needed. When you have a shared sense of humor, life is a lot easier.

Someone You Can Communicate With

Small talk and meaningless banter are fine on a first date. But as you get to know someone, it is important that you are able to communicate with one another on a deeper level. Communication is key in any relationship, and if you can’t communicate with your partner, the relationship will likely stagnate and never evolve to the next level.

Someone Who Makes the Sparks Fly

Physical attraction should not be the main focus of your relationship, but that doesn’t mean is doesn’t have to exist at all. When you look at your date, you should feel a strong physical attraction towards him. If this chemistry doesn’t exist from the beginning, it is not likely to ever exist. It may intensify over time as you get to know one another, but some sparks should be flying from the very beginning.

Someone Who Will Appreciate Your Interests

It’s true that sometimes opposites attract, but that doesn’t necessarily me they will stay together for the long haul. Being involved with a man who shares at least some of your interests will provide a common ground for years to come.

Someone who is in Touch with His Emotions

A man should be able to clearly and effectively communicate his emotions to you. That’s not to say he has to wear his heart on his sleeve, but he should have the emotional maturity to be able to clearly understand and openly discuss his feelings with you.

Someone who is Not Afraid to Commit

If you are dating a man and he mentions that he has never been in a relationship that has lasted for more than a few months, or if he suggests that he’s not looking to settle down, he may have commitment issues. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can tame this wild stallion. Sure, it’s possible that he just has not yet found the right woman to make him want to settle down, but is it really worth investing yourself in a relationship with him if that’s not the case?

Someone Who Shares Your Beliefs

Our beliefs are what make up the core of our being and shape who we are as a person. Beyond just our hobbies and interests, our belief system dictates everything from how we feel about politics and religion to our stance on women’s rights and gender equality. Most people are passionate about their beliefs. Holding out for a man who is on the same page as you is an important factor in searching for the perfect mate.

Someone Who Has Similar Family Goals

You don’t want to mention marriage and children on the first date, but some point early in the dating game it is important to get to know one another’s family goals. Do you both want to get married and have children? What is the ideal family size? Is he adamant that the mother stay home to raise her children or does he support daycare as an option for working mothers? These are all important issues that can make or break a relationship, so it’s better to get them out in the open early on.