A tricky question, but one that University of Iowa researchers Christine Whelan and Christie Boxer have attempted to answer by studying the results of surveys taken in 1939 and 2008 about mate preferences in heterosexuals. The findings? That the dating market has changed dramatically in almost eighty years (no surprise there), with mutual attraction and love, dependable character and emotional stability topping the charts for both sexes.
Almost eighty years ago, researchers asked university students eighteen questions about their preferences in a mate. A zero denoted the characteristic as 'irrelevant', while a 3 marked an 'essential' trait. But what topped the charts then isn't even a factor today. For instance? In the late 30s men wanted a partner whose was more chaste than intelligent, kind and dependable, whereas the ladies favored a man who was emotionally stable, had a 'pleasing disposition' and was ambitious. Interestingly, love and affection didn't even come close to the top requirements in either sex in the 30s.
A lot has changed since then. Women are much more self sufficient and our requirements in a relationship are obviously different.
Whereas once the ambition of the male partner was of utmost importance, the male role of sole breadwinner is no longer relevant.
Everything was more simple 30 years ago. Men and women KNEW what they wanted before settling down with a life-partner.
Nowdays, the male role is somewhat hazy (a definate blow to his ego).
I believe that in the 30s things like “love” where kind of assumed and that question didn’t necessarily need to be asked. I this day and age we get married as much for lust as anything else, which means that asking about love takes a new meaning.
I have discovered a contrast between what each sex thinks the opposite sex wants from them, and what the opposite sex really does want.
Men want honest, timely, loving communication.
Men want a woman who can communicate without being too critical
Men want self-sufficient, secure, confident women.
Men want a manipulation-free relationship.
most importantly
Men want women who know how men need to be treated…..