The Top 20 Traits Women Want in a Man

The question of what women want is the subject of countless poems, essays, and terrible romantic comedies. But ultimately, the answer is simple: it depends on the woman. Every woman has different tastes and preferences, and that’s especially true when it comes to sex: one lady’s “oh, yeah!” is another woman’s “oh…yeah?”

That said, when you actually get a bunch of women in the same room and ask them what they’re really looking for in a man, there are a few recurring themes. At the end of the day, most women want a guy who’s kind, loyal, and has a good sense of humor. (Being extra attentive in bed doesn’t hurt.)

To identify, quantify, and rank the traits that make a man “hot” to women, we surveyed more than 1,000 American women ages 21 to 54 in two online polls. One was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, based in Princeton, New Jersey, and the other was done on BestLifeOnline.com. Then we organized traits and characteristics according to the percentage of women who ranked them within the top 10 attributes.

Perhaps surprisingly, women rated traits relating to character and personality much higher than they scored those reflecting physical attractiveness. (That’s right, guys — when she says she doesn’t really care about looks, she means it. Who’d have thunk?). For example, only 13 percent of women included muscular build as a requisite for hotness, while 66 percent placed moral integrity as a “make me quiver” characteristic.

These are the top 20 traits women are looking for in a guy. We can almost guarantee that you have at least a few of them, you stud, you.

The Top 5 Character Traits

1) Faithfulness
More than 8 out of 10 women (or 84 percent of women) rated “faithful to me” in the top 10 attributes they find sexy in a man. She wants to be reassured that you think she’s the sexiest woman on earth (and luckily, you already do!), so remind her of that fact whenever and however you can.

2) Dependability
It’s sort of a cliché at this point, but women are looking for a guy who’s not afraid of commitment. Three out of four women (75 percent) say they look for a man who’s good at follow-through. Being responsible — even if it’s just remembering to pick up salad dressing on your way over to her place — sends a positive signal that you’re ready for commitment.

3) Kindness
Young women may still fall for the bad-boy type, but 67 percent of women said they were turned on by kindness, because kindness inspires confidence. In other words, if you treat the waitress well, your date figures you’ll treat her well, too. So be nice.

4) Moral Integrity
Sixty-six percent of women believe that if you have the guts to tell the truth, you’ll have the guts to be a good, caring partner over the long haul. Just try not to tell her what you really think of her best friend from college and you’re good.

5) Fatherliness
Being a good dad (or having the potential to become one) is about being a good role model and being patient and caring, qualities 51 percent of women want in a partner. Not a dad? Tell her about your favorite niece or nephew, or the employee you’re mentoring at work.

Top 5 Personality Traits

1) Sense of Humor
Being able to laugh at the stresses of this world is a must, according to 77 percent of the women on our panel. You get bonus points if you can make them laugh. Humor tells a woman that you can laugh at the many difficulties that life throws at you.

2) Intelligence
A worldly, interesting man is a man 55 percent of women like to show off. Men who are problem solvers make women feel secure, and men who are always improving are never boring.

3) Passion
Forty-six percent of women like displays of passion because they’re not accustomed to seeing them from men. Get passionate about something: kayaking, impressionistic art, barbecuing, or Habitat for Humanity. It’s proof that you care for and about something beyond yourself.

4) Confidence
A man who feels secure in his own skin makes the woman he’s with feel secure, according to 41 percent of women. By showing you can handle unfamiliar people or situations, you tell the woman in your life that she need not fear, either.

5) Generosity
This is important to 38 percent of women. Generosity doesn’t just mean springing for dinner at a four-star. It also means you’re willing to give your time and lend an ear.

Top 5 Practical Skills

1) Listening
Pay attention. 53 percent of women said they feel safe and secure when they know their man will put down his phone and listen. Magic words: “I’m here. Tell me everything.”

2) Romancing
Romance appeals to a woman’s right-brained, less-logical side. 45 percent of women said they fantasize about being swept off their feet. Romance is bold because you’re displaying your desire for a woman and revealing a softer, more vulnerable side.

3) Being Good in Bed
OK, this might seem obvious, but take it from us — it’s not just about the orgasms. A woman knows that a man who takes care of her in bed will take care of her out of bed. (Of course, the orgasms don’t hurt.)

4) Cooking, Cleaning, etc.
Twenty-three percent of women said that if you learn how to make one or two killer breakfasts or dinners, you’ll win hearts.

5) Earning Potential
One in five women surveyed said a man’s success in his career contributes to his sexiness. If you’ve demonstrated talent, goal achievement, and follow-through, you give women confidence that you will be a good provider.

Top 5 Physical Attributes

Source: MensHealth