Love Not Virginity Tops for Men and Women Looking for Mates

It’s a sign of the times. Not long ago men bragged about being first. Now having a virgin is last on their lists. Love, however, is important. It’s one of the top three, followed by brains and beauty. That should be good news for lots of women.

Valentine’s Day is near. What men most want is a woman who is smart and good-looking. Most women wouldn’t be surprised about men favoring an attractive face and figure, but being intelligent is something else. In 1939 it would scarcely have made a blip on the guy’s screen of I wants for their women. Now men want a woman to be able to do things that earn money and to be intellectual companions as well. So guys want an educated woman more than one who is chaste. Women want a fellow who wants a family and are willing to put up with a guy who isn’t perfect. Men want women who aren’t going to be financially independent and have their own means. A study at the University of Iowa of 1,100 undergraduates provides the material for this information. Since the 1930’s researchers have been asking students to rank characteristics they most want in a mate. Students are told to rank 18 characteristics from irrelevant to essential. Love and attraction are tops now; in the past they didn’t figure high on the list at all. Christine Whelan, one of the prominent researchers in the study and author of" "Marry Smart: The Intelligent Woman's Guide to True Love" observes that in the past marriage was a practical arrangement so men wanted a woman who was dependable and could cook. Chastity figured in the equation. Now it doesn’t. Women during that same period of the mid 20th century rate love highest on their list with dependability and emotional stability making the rest of the top three. They also like a man who wants a home and children, ranking it fourth, while men rank it ninth. So on Valentine’s Day guys it will be as important to show up on the time for the date and say “I love you” than the cost of the gift that you bring.