What I want(ed) in a guy

I recently found a list I made in high school titled “What I want in a guy.” The date on it is 2003 — either my junior or senior year. I remember my friends making fun of me for it, then making lists of their own. None of them even came close to my list, though; 210 things is hard to top.

The first thing on my list was “strong relationship with God/Christian.” Others included “doesn’t criticize my driving” and “can match clothes.” Here’s a peek at what I wanted in a male counterpart 10 years ago:

#2. Respects me, my family and my friends.

#5. Strong — mentally and physically (nice muscles never hurt).

#8. Likes dogs.

#10. Doesn’t smoke.

#13. Not obsessed with fake women, such as Britney Spears, Pamela Anderson, or any other diva, pop star, Baywatcher, or pin-up.

#20. Looks in my eyes, not up, down, or away.

#22. Brushes teeth on a regular basis.

#25. Doesn’t rush me. Patience is everything.

#27. Picks out his own mother’s cards.

#33. Rides roller coasters.

#35. Never tells me I look bad, fat, rough, dirty, or any other unacceptable adjective.

#46. Doesn’t tell stupid jokes to the point I can’t even pretend laugh.

#47. Has goals and perseverance.

#48. Encourages and supports me.

#51. Not constantly on a computer.

#63. Laughs well — not loud, breathy, gaspy, silent, through the nose, high-pitched, or too long.

#65. My height or taller.

#67. Has nice hands —  not rough or feminine.

#70. Doesn’t need an umbrella.

#71. Doesn’t go to strip clubs or Hooters — even “for the wings.”

#76. Doesn’t always call for a reason, but always has something to say.

#78. Never says, “I didn’t mean to lead you on,” especially when he knew perfectly well what he was doing.

#82. Has good taste in music — no screaming songs.

#88. Sociable.

#101. Thinks of more unique dates than dinner and a movie.

#106. Likes color.

#109. Puts the dishes in the sink, not on the counter beside the sink. The dishwasher is better.

#112. Likes to travel.

#113. Loves life and takes pleasure in the small things.

#117. Makes me a better person; good influence.

#127. Has decent feet.

#128. Wears sunscreen, and doesn’t go to a tanning bed.

#135. Modest.

#157. Remembers Valentine’s Day and my birthday.

#159. Open-minded and has own opinions, but doesn’t force them on others.

#161. Doesn’t leave shaving cream/hair/toothpaste in the sink/bathtub.

#167. Prays often.

#180. Knows what he’s worth; confidence.

#181. No dandruff.

#190. No weird diseases or hereditary dysfunctions.

#196. Doesn’t leave bugs in the floor after he kills them.

#197. Runs nice.

#203. Not a previous criminal.

#209. Can manage money.

#210. Has a plan.

I came across this list shortly after Pete and I got married and he asked me how he stacks up to The List. I have to say, he meets most of them, like #69. Looks great in a baseball hat, and #148. Knows about cars. … Not #36, though; “has nice handwriting.” But I love him anyway.

Other things I noticed is that it took me until #129 to list “smart,” and that my taste in some things has definitely changed since ’03. Like #162. No beard or mustache. … I was the one who told Pete not to shave before our wedding.

While my list is a tall order for anyone to fill, my favorite is #192. Not too picky.