The Perfect Man
What do women really want in a man? A guy who's tall, rich, and handsome? And ooh—bonus points if they've got that chiseled jawline and those broad, broad shoulders, right? You'd probably imagine all women want the same ideal, but the truth is, it's not always about height and face. In fact, looks often have nothing to do with it, or at least very little. Sometimes all it takes for a man to be considered attractive is to be confident, kind, and have a wicked sense of humor. Don't believe us? See for yourself: here are 20 things women actually want in a man.
1. Someone Who Pays Attention
You might think it's not a big deal, but there's something incredibly attractive about a man who pays attention. Maybe he realizes she’s carrying too many things, remembers that she doesn’t like a certain food, or notices when something is bothering her. When he’s engaged enough to pick up on details himself, that tells her he cares.
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2. The Ability to Make Decisions
Sure, a man who constantly agrees with everything can seem generous and accommodating, but it can get exhausting. Many women actually appreciate a man who has opinions and can make smart, thoughtful decisions. Keep in mind, though: being decisive doesn’t mean controlling everything.
3. Competence at Everyday Tasks
Surprise! Women don't actually want to handle all the dirty work at home, so a man who knows how to cook or do laundry (properly!) is sure to turn her knees to jelly. Competence in these basic tasks also shows that a man can manage his own life and doesn't expect others to organize it for him.
4. A Man Who Remembers the Little Things
Women love men who not only pay attention but remember all the little details she told him, like her favorite restaurant or her recent vacation. Remembering these tidbits, and bringing them back up in conversation, suggests that he wasn't just simply waiting for his turn to speak.
5. Non-Arrogant Confidence
Women like men who are naturally confident; they don't like men who repeatedly need everyone else to know how impressive he is. And yep, there's a difference: a confident man can talk about his accomplishments without diminishing other people to feel secure about himself.
6. Someone Who Can Handle Her Success
A woman shouldn’t have to minimize her achievements just so her partner doesn't feel threatened by it. A man who's confident and secure in himself won't need to "prove" he's better, and he'll be able to celebrate an accomplishment without immediately comparing it to himself. Being proud of your partner is far more appealing than treating her success as competition.
7. Social Awareness
A socially aware man understands the atmosphere around him and knows when and how to act, and that can be surprisingly attractive. That awareness can make social situations significantly easier to navigate, and women will appreciate a man who knows how to lead.
8. Someone Who Doesn't Need to Be Entertained
When a woman wants an evening to herself, she doesn't want to worry about how that'll affect her partner and whether he needs to be entertained in other ways without her. You can probably see how a man who has his own hobbies can be very attractive.
9. Follow-Through on Small Promises
Women love men who follow through. If you say you'll call her after work or help her pick something up on the way home, actually do it, and don't just say you'll do it. Repeatedly forgetting small promises can become frustrating because she'll start wondering which commitments she can count on.
10. Someone Who Can Admit He Doesn't Know Something
Pretending to understand every subject doesn't have the effect you might think it has. In fact, it's actually better to admit you don't know. Being curious and asking questions can be attractive in its own right, and it can also make a man seem more approachable. No woman wants a guy who mansplains everything, after all.
11. Kindness Toward People He Doesn't Need Anything From
How a man treats service workers and strangers can reveal a lot about who he actually is, and that can instantly affect how charming he is, too. Women often notice whether a man is naturally kind or something he only does in front of people he's trying to impress.
12. The Ability to Disagree Without Being Cruel
A healthy relationship is going to include disagreements, so the way someone argues matters a lot. While women prefer men who have opinions, they don't want a man who mocks what they like. Being able to discuss conflicts while maintaining basic respect can make difficult conversations far more productive.
13. Someone Who Plans in Advance
Last-minute spontaneity can be fun, but women don't want a man who never has a plan. Making reservations, buying tickets, or planning an outing shows initiative, and she'll appreciate that he took the first step. It also shows that spending time together was important enough to think about beforehand.
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14. Comfortable Affection Outside of Romance
Whether it's as simple as holding hands or resting beside each other, these small moments of affection help maintain closeness throughout the day. These expressions of care and love also make a relationship feel warm and comforting, and women appreciate men who initiate them.
15. A Man Who Has Real Friendships
Having meaningful friendships can say a lot about your ability to maintain relationships. It also suggests that other people trust you and enjoy your company, both of which are invaluable traits. Having strong friendships also means you won't expect your romantic partner to meet every emotional and social need you have.
16. Knowing When to Put the Phone Away
Few things make someone feel less important than pulling out your phone mid-conversation. Putting your phone down when she's speaking shows that she has your attention, and that attentiveness is more attractive than you think. You have time to look at your phone later; for now, let her know you're all hers.
17. Emotional Specificity
You probably know how frustrating it is to hear someone say they're "fine" when they're not, so don't do the same. A man who can explain and process his emotions shows maturity and makes communication far easier. Women will appreciate your honesty.
18. Someone Who Shares the Work
Relationships involve countless responsibilities that require remembering and planning. If you do your share of tracking appointments and taking care of household work, that shows you're open to sharing the load. Taking initiative will make a partnership feel much more equal.
19. An Ability to Laugh at Himself
Nobody gets through life without some awkward moments. Instead of taking everything too seriously, being able to laugh at yourself suggests that your ego isn't delicate. Women may find it refreshing when a man can acknowledge an embarrassing moment and move on rather than becoming defensive or sulking about it.
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20. Consistency After the Honeymoon Stage
If you're dedicated to the chase but your effort drops after you've won her over, she might end up losing interest. What many women actually want is a man who puts in the work and stays consistent in how he treats her. Continuing to plan dates, communicate, and express affection shows your partner matters much more than those initial fireworks.
