It's almost a common question: "What do you look for in a girl/guy?" I feel that the answers are often the same, "nice," "funny," "caring," etc. But woah, are you really going to choose to be with someone solely based off of those characteristics? Sure, they're nice, but let's get down to what we should really be looking for in our partners. Here are some underrated characteristics that we often don't think about in significant others, but really should:
1. Hard-working
They should never let up when they need to get something accomplished. No one likes a half-assed effort. That's because a half-assed effort means much less potential for success in the future, and that's pretty terrifying. They should also not expect anything, but work hard toward earning achievement and attainment.
2. Passionate
Something should make their eyes light up. Something should make their hearts full. Athletics, music, art, writing, a certain career path... Seeing this person in their element will be the most attractive thing in the entire world.
3. Positive
Everyone has bad days and bad nights, and that's totally okay, but a good significant other should definitely have a positive attitude about life and bring a positive energy to yours. They should know what jokes to crack to get you giggling and how to make you smile when you're having a rough day.
4. Intelligent
Intelligence is so attractive. You should be able to have deep intellectual conversations with your significant other, and they should always challenge you and teach you more. (They should also probably never make the your/you're or then/than error.)
5. Deep
I find this to be the absolute most attractive quality in a significant other. Shallow people frustrate me, and not only that, but they are bo-ring! Depth is beautiful, and it implies a journey of understanding and learning about someone. They should have stories to tell, dark secrets, deep fears, complicated emotions, and underlying philosophies. These are the things that really make a person interesting and unlike others.
6. Compassionate
Watch the way people act around others. Do they hold the door for the people walking into the building behind them? Do they call their moms to tell them they love them? Do they interact well with kids? Do they want to help people in need? Compassion is huge. It shows that people have big hearts, and it's obviously a good idea to be with someone who has a big heart, since that will really shine through in your relationship.
7. Communication-skilled
Ability to communicate! Wow, this is a big one. Effective communication is the foundation for any relationship. If someone shies away from confrontation or conversation, your relationship with that person will ultimately fail. You two need to be able to express your feelings, concerns, and daily occurrences to each other.
8. Adventurous
Anyone who is willing to step out of their comfort zone and try new things is someone who you should keep around, whether this be trying a new food at a restaurant, skydiving, or meeting your entire crazy family. They should be generally adaptable as well, and willing to tweak their routine a little bit to be with you.
9. Assertive
It is incredibly attractive when someone is confident, decisive, and able to be forward about his or her feelings. They should be sure of themselves in a way that isn't overtly aggressive, but just right. When your significant other is able to stand up for his or her thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, you will be challenged in the best possible way.
10. Reliable
You should be able to count on your significant other one hundred percent of the time. No one likes to be flaked out on, let down, blown off, or ignored. This person should be there for you, and you should be able to trust that without reservations.
11. Enriching
This person should make you a better person every day. He or she should challenge you, push you, teach you, and add something positive to who you are.
12. Appreciative
Pretty self-explanatory. He or she should be grateful for all of the positive things in his or her life, and thankful for everything from basic provisions to luxuries to opportunities. On a more surface level, your significant other should thank you sincerely every time you put a gallon of gas in the car or cover dinner for the night.
13. In good company
I think it's important that this potential significant other surrounds him or herself with great people. Chances are, you'll have to spend a decent amount of time with them. Not only that, but the people that our potential significant others choose to surround themselves with says a lot about the type of people that they are.
14. Dedicated
They shouldn't just do the bare minimum; they should put their whole hearts into their commitments, including their careers, their daily workout routines, any tasks at hand, and their relationships.
15. Supportive
This person should support you in all areas of your life. They should be on the sidelines of your sporting events, behind flash cards the night before your big exam, and rubbing your back when you've had a long day.
16. Aspiring
You want your significant other to have dreams and goals for the future. He or she should aspire to be something- a teacher, a mom, a doctor, a personal trainer, etc. Potential significant others should have goals they want to reach, and work hard to reach them.
17. Unconditionally loving
No one is here to date someone just to feel okay. We want to feel on top of the world. Your significant other should know how to love you in a way that no one else can. They should love you like crazy, bring you flowers at work, ask you how that exam went, pick up your favorite snack for you at the grocery store, and remember all of the little things about you.
Though it's good to find someone who is physically attractive and has a good sense of humor, there are many other things that you should seek out in a significant other. These characteristics are the basis for a strong, successful relationship. Recognizing them and their importance will make you much more likely to find happiness in the long-term.
