Let’s face it. In college, we all swoon over that drop-dead gorgeous classmate, the athlete, and Mr. Popular. The guy with perfect hair, a perfect body, and a smile so white it’s blinding is the one who catches our eye and forces us to nudge our friends. By no means am I about to complain about strong, good-looking college boys (and on my campus, there is no shortage of them). Sure, these beauties are great to look at, but let’s clear some things up. Looks mean nothing if there isn’t much else there. Here’s what actually makes my heart melt.
1. Dedication
There’s nothing more attractive than a driven guy who dedicates time and effort to his studies and his future, understanding the work he needs to put in to achieve what he wants to. What can I say? I’m a goal digger.
2. Respect
This one’s huge. A guy who treats professors, friends, strangers, and especially his parents with respect and consideration has clearly been raised right. How will he ever respect me if he doesn’t respect anyone else?
3. Health
This doesn’t just mean being physically fit, although that is important. This means being spiritually healthy, having a healthy balance between work and play, and having a healthy attitude.
4. Positivity
I want to spend my time with someone who sees the good in everything. These people are absolutely beautiful to me.
5. A Sense of Humor
One of my favorite feelings is laughing until I cry. Anyone who I can laugh with day in and day out is certainly a keeper.
6. Spontaneity
We all get a little too caught up in our day-to-day business. A guy who loves adventure, trying new things, and finding new, incredible places to explore is an amazing one.
7. Culture
There’s a whole world around us full of amazingly diverse people, languages, places, and ideas to explore. If he’s someone I can grow with in my understanding and appreciation of the world and my investigation of beautiful diversity and rich culture, I’d love to explore with him.
8. Enthusiasm
Just the other day I saw two guys in the library high-fiving and jumping out of their seats when they got math problems right. And wow, there really is something attractive about a guy who cares deeply about something. Whether it’s for academics, a charity or a family member, enthusiasm is just wonderful.
9. Confidence
Not cockiness. A guy who stands up straight, keeps eye contact, and can carry on a conversation because he is confident in his ability to succeed and because he is secure in the unique person he is is swoon-worthy.
10. Intelligence
Nothing catches my attention quite like a pretty mind. Even better? When he puts his smarts to good use by helping people, working hard, and succeeding.
11. Reservation
Smooth is dangerous, ladies. He’s done this far too many times already. A guy who is reserved, quiet, and simply kind shows me that he’s genuine and looking for something with substance.
So there we have it. Being eye candy is a bit different than being really, genuinely attractive. So, boys, next time you think your pastel pants, wayfarers, gorgeous hair, and smooth talking are going to win us over for more than a day, think twice.
