What I Want in a Woman

Allison's recent post about "submissive" women made me think about my own views on a woman's role in a marriage. I am a firm believer that a woman is an equal partner in a marriage. I could not imagine being in a relationship that required me to always submit to my partner, so I cannot imagine expecting that from my spouse.

I am not a woman, so I cannot speak for women. However, I can say what I want in a woman:

I want a woman who reads.

I want a woman who is strong-willed and unafraid to voice her opinions.

I want a woman who has hope in a time of despair.

I want a woman who sings, even if off-key.

I want a woman who tolerates my singing because it is definitely off-key.

I want a woman who believes in me.

I want a woman who believes in herself but who also knows that I will always have her back.

I want a woman who laughs with me.

I want a woman who can make me laugh, especially at myself.

I want a woman who my children will look up to as a strong and confident role model.

I want a woman who is honest.

I want a woman with an open mind and an open heart.

I want a woman who inspires me to open my mind and heart.

I want a woman who is faithful.

I want a woman who needs me for who I am, not because she needs a man to take care of her.

I want a woman who believes in the equality of all people.

I want a woman who can pick me up if I fall.

I want a woman who knows that even the smallest gesture of kindness can bring a world of light to another person's darkest day.

I want a woman who turns me on intellectually, as well as physically.

I want a woman who will travel with me, taste new foods with me, and introduce me to new music and art, but who also will lie down on the couch with me and watch a bad movie.

I want a woman who challenges me to be a better man every day, not because she needs me to better, but because she knows that I can be.

I want a woman who can cry during the sad parts of movies, not because she is weak, but because she has the uniquely human trait of empathy.

I want a woman who knows she is beautiful without me telling her (but I will tell her anyway...over and over again).

I want a woman who believes in me and is proud of me, but who will not let me become too proud.

I want a woman who is not obsessed with material possessions.

I want a woman whose smile will stop my heart and whose touch will make it race.

I want a woman who can lead and knows that I can too.

I want a woman whom I can comfort when she is grieving and who will comfort me when I grieve.

I want a woman who is my partner and equal, not just my consultant, and definitely not my servant.

I want a woman who is not afraid to fight but who believes in peace.

I want a woman who expects me to open a door for her, but who will equally expect me to hold it open for the next man or woman who is approaching.

I want a woman who can tell me when I'm wrong, but who can also admit when she is wrong.

I want a woman who, like a mother bear, will do anything to protect her children from danger.

I want a woman who knows that I would take a bullet to protect our family.

I want a woman who has the strength and intelligence to care for our children if I prematurely leave this earth.

I want a woman to share my life with, but not to submit to my life.

I want a woman who loves me and who knows that I will try to return her love tenfold.

I found this woman, and I am a better man because of her.