At the recent Chicago's Most Wanted: 50 Top Bachelors event held at Red Kiva (in Chicago's West Loop), several bachelors discussed the qualities they sought in a mate. Here are a few "must-haves" that made their list.
Men seek a mate with individuality.
Joe Russo, owner, the Shrine Chicago
"I'm looking for someone to have fun with, and to share the things that I like to do. I like a free spirit; someone who has passions of her own and likes to live life on her own [terms] and isn't looking for someone to save her. Hopefully we'll find each other."
Men seek companionship and support.
Ben Lane, actor
"I'm looking for a best friend and a companion. Someone that I can laugh with and express myself fully with; and that person can be themselves with me as well."
Roosevelt Allen, Attorney, CEO of Zumba Entertainment
"I'm looking for someone who is very supportive and dedicated and ambitious."
Michael Kolawole, Hugo Boss
"We've got to match each other. Some people say ying/yang, hot and cold opposites [work] but I think we've got to complement each other. She knows me, I know her, and that way there will be no conflict."
Men seek an honest mate.
David King, Union Pacific Engineer
"I'm looking for honesty, someone that is trustworthy and a good friend."
John Hall, fitness expert
"Honesty, ambition, someone with spontaneity, someone who's going to be by my side. Working out is not a requirement, but that would be a plus!"
Men seek an intelligent partner.
Calvin Evans, Comedian
"I like an intelligent, smart woman; she's got drive and direction. She's a counterpart, someone who does not mirror me, but matches me."
Chef Judson Todd Allen, the Architect of Flavor
"I seek someone with personality, charisma and sex appeal. I seek somebody who is independent; and who isn't necessarily looking for something from someone else, she can handle her own. She has to be a professional; no wretchedness in 2013!"
Men seek a spiritual mate. Are you equally yoked?
Curtis R. Monday, Curtis R. Monday Insurance
"I'm looking for someone who is God-fearing, funny, who has a love for life, who is trustworthy and overall energetic. That's how I try to live my life, I'm definitely not perfect, but you always need rules to govern the way you live, so I want someone who is on the same page with me. Especially if you're talking about marriage."
What is most fascinating about these responses is that these men never mentioned physical attributes that their dream partners should have. Perhaps men are evolving and embracing their wiser, more rational, feminine side. What do you think?