One of the nice things about getting older, at least for me, is that looks begin to lose their allure. Don’t get me wrong, a pretty face, a trim figure, beautiful eyes. I will always appreciate those. But over the years I’ve learned that there is a lot more to appreciate about a person than their looks and that good looks may not necessarily go hand in hand with a bright mind, an interesting persona, an appealing attitude, or any of a thousand other things that I find appealing in a person.
So what is attractive? Mind you I don’t claim to speak for anyone else but myself but I think my attitude is fairly typical within reason.
So some attractive characteristics in no particular order.
Intelligence. I would think that this would be so obvious it didn’t need to be mentioned but apparently it does. It’s something you can’t find out about until you actually talk to that other person but it can soon become obvious. The ability to think, to reason, to be more than just well read but to be able to form opinions or new thoughts. I tend to value these abilities fairly highly. I think it makes for a stronger and more satisfying long-term relationship.
An open mind. Related to the above I know but I think it’s important to be able to openly talk about different cultures, different points of view, different perspectives, even things that you may not like, art forms you may not appreciate, ideas that repulse you. I’m not saying embrace them but be able to look at them objectively and then if they don’t like it well then fine. At least the attempt was made. But being able to communicate openly with the other person is vital.
Outside interests and hobbies. I want a whole person that has their own life and own interests not someone that’s just waiting for me to supply their reason for being. Whatever those interests may be; sports, business, hobbies, music, whatever. This is part of their whole being and if they practice and enjoy these interests then I think that makes them that much more interesting.
Convictions. Believing in something and sticking to those principles. A truly admirable quality that not many people can claim for themselves.
Humor. A must not only for a potential mate but for friends in general. Being able to laugh not just at the world in general but at yourself is something that more people should engage in regularly.
Adventurous. Be able to take a chance every once in a while. Life’s just too short for playing it safe. I don’t mean be reckless but definitely not looking for someone who stays home and plays it safe.
Not a comprehensive list by any means but I think it covers the highlights. I know finding all of these qualities in one person is asking a lot. Maybe too much. But I don’t think so. I mean this is an important choice. Not like a haircut that will grow out in a couple of months or a pair of pants that you thought might look good. This is someone who I want to spend my time with. It should be something that I should be picky about.
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