Values/Ethics - must match mine, or darn close.
Intelligence - must match mine, or darn close.
Goals - career/educational, physical, spiritual, financial, any of these, but must be striving toward something. Stagnation is so unappealing.
Sense Of Humor
R-E-S-P-E-C-T - for a higher power, for me, for himself, older people, children, animals, the environment, etc. Find out what it means to me.
Enthusiasm - throws himself into things wholeheartedly. Everything. nudge, nudge, wink, wink
Perspective - Not easily embarrassed. Must be able to tell the different between a problem and an inconvenience. (Fulghum) This is a component in emotional maturity and #4.
Literate - likes to read, able to communicate effectively. Spelling is a bonus, but not a necessity; hey, no one’s perfect.
Sensitive - how can I feel close to someone who can’t tell me how they feel, or empathize with me?
Responsive - In the sack. That’s a big yummy. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Now, these are all extremely important, but fairly general. If you want specific examples of things that melt my heart, well . . .
Can see the merit in the “chick”/foreign/independant movies that I love. Is not afraid to get up and dance with me, even if he’s not a good dancer. Laughs rather than getting mad. Still has the capacity to blush. Reads the directions. Has something he is passionate about: art, music, science, comic books, who cares, something! Gets along well with his family, especially his mom. Doesn’t show impatience with children or older people. Senses when I need a little reassurance and reaches out to holds my hand or put his arms around me. Digs foreplay for it’s own sake, not just as a prelude to something else. Knows the words to and bravely sings along with the sappiest and the silliest songs on the radio. Notices the little things, like that I always order my water without ice. Listens actively (it’s not enough to just sit there quietly, you have to make eye contact, ask questions, respond!). Stands up for me to other people. Loves to learn about a perspective other than his own. Is concerned about being a good parent. I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
Now, I need to figure out a convincing arugument for why such a paragon of desirable manhood should commit himself to me . . .