AN IDEAL MAN

What kind of creature is the ideal man? Does he exist? What is it that women are looking for? The following is a shopping list tattooed on the inside of our craniums.

1) Hopeless Romantic: Bring on the flowers, poetry (written by you), quiet moments, and little gifts for no reason at all. We love it, and we'll know that you were thinking of us.

2) Inner Strength: Are you tough enough to take a back seat or do you have to dominate 100% of the time? True strength means helping your woman find hers, not holding her back so you look more powerful.

3) Intellectual Equal: You don't have to be a brain surgeon, but you should be able to carry your half of the conversation. We're looking for intelligent, witty and well-rounded dialogue.

4) Comedian: Life is too short to be serious all the time. Exploit humorous situations when you can and make us laugh till it hurts. That doesn't mean laughing AT us (unless we truly have it coming...learn to know the difference).

5) Compassionate: Even tough guys have feelings. Show them. Shed the odd tear, give an extra hug when we're shedding them.

6) Ambitious: Have goals, direction, and enough drive to take you there. If you're the type who thinks the world owes you and is content to wait for it to deliver, we won't keep you company for long.

7) Generous: Share your wealth and spoil us. It's one thing to be frugal or financially responsible. It's an entirely different thing to be so tight you squeak. Don't be offended or take it as an affront to your manhood if we want to spoil you. We like to splurge on our loved ones too.

8) Carnal Creativity: Sex should be more than the missionary position with the lights off. Read up on the subject and learn some new moves. We're looking for spontaneity and fun, and we're hoping you are too.

9) Patient: Do you get wound up or are you easy going? There are enough irritants in the world without coming home to someone who's snapping and snarling about stupid little things.

10) Self-controlled: You're a big boy. You should be able to say no to copious amounts of alcohol, drugs, and wild women. We shouldn't feel like we're parenting you.

I'm sure that more will be added by readers as time goes on, and the list could be applied to either sex. Your thoughts?

~Arlie