Originally posted by Umbra
In response to your initial question, however, a woman with the following characteristics makes me slow down:
Attractive - She doesn't have to be gorgeous. I've dated some shallow models and actresses (no one famous) before, and as everyone knows, looks can't carry the whole package. My ideal woman would simply have to be attractive enough to generate sexual arousal. My feelings for her would do the rest.
Humor - She doesn't have to be a comedian. Hell, she doesn't even have to tell the jokes. But I have to be with a woman who can laugh and see the humorous side of life. If she smiles a lot, I like her already.
Intelligence - I don't want a braniac. They are often argumentative and strongly opinionated. But I want a woman who has common sense and can think for herself. I always observe how they handle their finances and how they react to contemporary news stories. She has to be able to hold a lively conversation, to keep it moving.
Maintenance - She can't be high-maintenance. She should take care of herself. I observe her eating habits and her physical health. If she can take care of herself, she can take care of children and even me, if needed. If she doesn't demand my money and time, I want to give even more to her. The only woman I want to take care of is the one who doesn't need it. A woman who never offers to pay for a date is a woman who gets dropped without an explanation.
Social - I want an outgoing woman. Shy women often become boring. Of course, I don't want her to obnoxiously usurp the spotlight, but I like it when I go to a social event and I see my girl talking to lots of people. That means she's adaptable and skilled with people. She's complementary to me. I'm going into business, so a woman who can socialize with different groups is definitely an asset and a gift.
Elegance - No bar floozies, one of those girls who loves drinking at bars and clubs in skanky outfits every weekend. If that's her idea of a good time, I'm running away. Fast. I like women who have more refined tastes. When a woman chooses to go see a movie with me or cook dinner at home over going to a bar or party, I definitely notice. A woman who curses a lot or smokes definitely turns me off.
Adventurous - I embrace change. I need a woman who can do the same. She doesn't necessarily have to do everything I'm daring enough to do. Actually, it's probably better if she's a little more conservative to maintain balance. For example, if I go skydiving, she doesn't have to jump out with me, but I'd like it if she at least goes to the airport to watch me come down. Or if I want to try some exotic food at a new restaurant, at least she's willing to sample it. Or go on a road trip when we have free time. I'm willing to do the same for her. I don't like opera, but if she loves it, I'll be damned if I don't go with her.
Caring - She must show empathy and caring for others. She should think about other people's feelings when she speaks and acts. She should show interest in what other people say. If she isn't interested in anyone else's life but her own, there's a huge problem (this is along the lines of another thread you started about self-centered women).
Sex - She has to like sex. And she has to like it interesting and fun. Of course, this can be overdone as well. I dated a nymphomaniac once, and it adversely affected other areas of my life. But, I will not tolerate a woman who just lays unmoving in bed or only likes sex a few times a week. She has to swallow. No spitting allowed. And she has to shave or trim. I do the same for her.
I think that's pretty detailed. Answer your question, tamales?