I’m 25, and I have a question for men: when you meet a woman you could actually see yourself dating long-term, what makes you think, Yes, I want her in my life?
Looks are part of what I’m asking about. Is physical attraction something you need to feel from the beginning? Does there have to be an immediate pull before you’re interested in finding out anything else?
I know every guy has different preferences. I’m not expecting everyone to agree on a particular look, personality, or definition of an ideal partner. I’m curious about how those preferences work when you’re considering a real person.
For example, is there a difference between finding a woman good-looking and feeling attracted enough to pursue a relationship? Can getting to know her change that feeling, or do you usually know early whether the possibility is there?
Then there’s the question of what makes you stay interested. What are the green flags you notice? Kindness, a sense of humor, being easy to talk to, following through—those are possible answers, but I’d like to know which things actually stand out to you.
And when you describe your ideal partner, how much of that description is about appearance? How much is about what spending time together feels like?
I suppose I’m asking where the first impression meets the longer view. What makes you go from noticing a woman to wanting to build something with her—and is physical attraction always the starting requirement?
