1. He needs to share my beliefs and values...

Shared beliefs and values are extremely important. This is not to say that if as a Catholic I were to marry a non-catholic man that it would be bad. There are many non-catholic men out there who are amazing people.

It is also important though, to realize that together (Lord-willing) you will be raising a family together. It makes things much smoother for both your kids and your marriage if you are on the same terms of beliefs and values/morals. It makes a huge difference for the kids if mom and dad both believe the same thing (i.e. both are Catholic or both protestant or fill in the blank).

2. There's loyalty and faithfulness to each other and to the relationship...

Loyalty is something that is also important. It strengthens the bond between the couple and it sets a good example for any kids you may have. Faithfulness and loyalty work hand in hand. At the end of the day, you two are a team; act like it.

3. He has passion about our relationship AND his interests...

A man should not have always have to set aside what he is passionate about to fill the needs of his lady. A man should be free to express what he is passionate about.

He should be able to take time with the guys and watch football on occasion. Also, it wouldn't hurt if the man is romantic. If he is passionate about his lady and does romantic things for the women he loves. He should be able to have a balance between the two.

Have time to be romantic with his lady and spend time doing what he is passionate about. He should set aside some time to hang with the guys.

4. He's honest with me and with himself.

Honesty is key. Keeping secrets for surprises and such is one thing. Honesty is something I find attractive. I don't need to hear everything on your mind, but be honest with me.

5. He has a sense of humor!

If this is not present, it would not be the end of the world. However, it would be nice if he has a good sense of humor. What qualifies as a good sense of humor? Good question. If it makes me laugh and makes me happy then it is good enough for me.

6. If he's good with kids, he's a keeper...

It is important to remember that this man will be the father of your children. If he is good with kids, it will make raising them that much more enjoyable and doable.

Being good with kids is a quality that I find really attractive. It'll put a smile on your face when you're preparing for parenthood together. It'll even put a smile on your face before you even marry him.

7. He needs to maintain respect for others and each other...

Do you want to know what a man is like and how he'll treat you when you're married? Look at how he treats others. Most importantly, look at how he treats his mother and sisters.

He shouldn't treat you as if you are his sister (because you're not! You're his girlfriend, etc) but he should treat both of you with the utmost respect. If he treats the other women in his life with love and respect, he will treat you with love and respect too.

8. He's a good listener and is attentive...

Everyone wants to be heard. Something that is really important to me is when a man knows when to shut his mouth and just listen. Sometimes a girl doesn't need her man to fix a problem but to just listen.

9. He's a good hugger! 

A good hugger is a keeper. Nothing is better than getting an amazing hug when you're feeling down. I love hugs. But, I only will hug those I'm close to. Close friends, and loved ones. A great and romantic hug from your man just icing on the cake.

10. He makes me a better me.

The point of any relationship is to make each other better people. I want my future husband to be one who makes me want to be a better person.

11. He loves me for me.

The love is not based merely on physical attractions. That he loves me, weirdness and all. I want to be able to be myself around him and be comfortable doing that.

12. Our relationship starts as a strong friendship and remains one into the relationship...

Many people tell me that they married their best friend. I want this to happen to me. I don't just want to fall in love with my future spouse, but I want to have a strong friendship be the foundation of the relationship. I want to be good friends before being lovers.

13. He says 'I love you' when I need it the most.

Nothing says I love you quite like I love you. You don't have to say it every waking hour of every day, but saying it every once and a while means so much.

14.  He genuinely makes me happy!

Everyone wants their future spouse to make you happy. I want to be so in love with him, that I smile just thinking about him or when he walks into the room. I want him to make me laugh. This one fits right in with the sense of humor point.

15. He's hardworking.

I love hard working men. Granted, most of them end up being really toned. Men who work hard you know will provide and take care of you well, especially when you're pregnant.

16. He knows what it means to be humble.

A man who is willing to admit he's wrong or is not too prideful is a keeper. I say not too prideful, because if I asked for no pride, I would probably never find him because everyone can be prideful.

17. He's a strong leader.

This one is important because you know that he will provide for you and the family you will have someday. He will protect and make wise choices based on the welfare of the family.