Men and women have varying standards when it comes to choosing their better half in the long run. Some prefer personality, while others prefer success. There are also others who want physical attributes for good genes. The Filipino Times has listed several factors that men and women look for in a potential partner. After all, when it comes to relationships, there is no one-size-fits all.
What many women prefer
Financially secured
Most women prefer a husband who can provide well for the family. According to researchers from Concordia University in Canada, women are more attuned to the phenomenon “parental investment theory,” where they lean towards someone who can be a good provider for the future kids.
According to OFW Michelle Santos, looks change but financially stability can stay long term. “Kung partner mon a talaga siya for life, siguraduhin mong marunong siyang humawak ng pera para maging secured ang family niyo. Lahat tayo tumatanda at nagbabago naman ang itsura,” she said.
Intelligent
Women also attribute success to intelligence. If a man is intelligent, then it is also likely that he is successful. Information technologist Rita Salazar said that a man who is intelligent will think of how to put food on the table. “It’s good to start a family with a person who actually thinks how your and your family’s life will get better. Someone who is not intelligent will not bother to reflect on that,” she said.
Kind
Apart from financial stability, many women choose men who are kind, as they believe it will reflect on how they will treat their children in the future. Canadian psychologist Gad Saad, Ph.D., said in the research that “a man who might be an unloving father would have serious consequences for a woman and for her offspring.”
With ambition in life/career
Most women want a partner who is ambitious in life because, for them, having an ambition and goals when it comes to career will also lead to success. OFW Cez Verzosa said that is alluring for her when a man talks about his passion and dream because it inspires her to chase hers too.
“It’s a great contributing factor to healthy relationships, too, because it encourages couples to grow as individuals while being together and supporting each other. It is very important to look for a partner who does not only think about you, but also thinks about how to become the better version of himself,” she said.
What many men prefer
Attractive
According to evolutionary psychologists, a male’s reproductive success is determined by his ability to obtain highly fertile and healthy female mates. Saad said in the research that for many men, physical appearance indicates fertility.
Someone younger
Many experts argue than some men embrace a younger female partner because women in general age fast due to child-bearing. Raphael Plasabas, not his real name, admitted that he is attracted to women younger than him—citing that that woman’s vibrancy makes him feel young. “A woman who is younger than you makes the relationship enjoyable,” he said.
Family-oriented
Most men believe that if a woman is family-oriented, then she will be an ideal mother for a man’s future kid. Louise Marasigan, an OFW in Dubai, said that he finds a woman who is close to her family quite attractive. “Alam kong mag-i-invest siya ng time at effort para sa magiging anak namin. Kapag family-oriented ang babae, kahit pa career-oriented siya, alam kong hindi siya magpapabaya sa mga responsibilidad niya bilang isang ina,” he said.
Kind
According to Saad’s research, both genders equally consider kindness as an important factor for finding a potential life partner. Most people believe character makes or breaks a relationship.
