I’ve been thinking about this for awhile, and this is my list of criteria for the perfect mate. As long as half of these are checked off, that sounds like a decent compromise. Some of the criteria obviously carry more weight than the others, though. I don’t think I’ve ever been physically attracted to a non-smoker. Them’s the breaks.

• Physically Active / Exercises or plays sports often
• Has friends & an active social life
• Well-spoken & interested in having conversations
• Loves his family
• Open to / interested in spirituality
• Wants to help the world, or at least understands that impulse in me
• Optimistic
• Musical
• Dancer
• Well-read
• Creates things
• Avid traveler
• Aware of the world
• Not a crazy bleeding heart, but definitely not too conservative
• Open minded
• Good listener
• Can express himself
• Great kisser
• Loves Halloween & costumes
• Plays games; isn’t afraid to nurture his inner child and laugh now and then
• Can cook
• Doesn’t say no to adventures
• Creates adventures
• Plans dates
• Drinks wine
• Watches what I want to watch without bitching or sulking (talking about documentaries, not chick flicks)
• Seductive / In control
• Makes me feel feminine
• Makes me feel safe
• Enjoys nature, no matter what time of year
• Likes some of the same music I do (not all, but at least 1/3 so we can go to concerts together)
• Doesn’t take stupid risks (smoking, drunk driving, criminal activity)
• SUPPORTIVE. I don’t care if it IS the fifth time I’ve tried to go vegan, it’s your job to have my back and believe that this time is the time.
• Be the other half of my team.