[tammyning]

What are good traits a boyfriend should have in a lasting relationship?

[Wondergirl]

Loyalty through good times and bad, honoring privacy is a biggie, sense of humor, able to emotionally connect with you, at least a few similar interests but maybe a few dissimilar ones to make things exciting, not a packrat/hoarder, willing to pitch in with household chores and childcare stuff.

I'm sure others will chime in and add more.

[Marriedguy]

The boyfriend should be honest and caring. Then the rest should follow.

[Wondergirl]

The things/habits that are cute but somewhat annoying early in the relationship will become major battlegrounds later.

[Askingquestion]

Try not to have a list of things in mind before you look for someone honestly. It will only lead you to disappointment and discontent with what you do find. Because chances are, you're not going to be able to match a person perfectly with your expectations.

The best thing you can do is alter where you go to try to find who you are looking for, and keep really general hopes in mind. For example, maybe you want to find someone who is laid back, quiet, and a little more intellectual. You could pay a lot of visits to bookstores and libraries to see if you could meet someone there. Alternatively, if you're looking for more of the wild party type, you might want to be spending a lot of times in clubs and at bars.

And I think one of the easiest ways to tell if there is a possible connection is if there is a spark. If the conversation is flowing like you can't stop it if you tried, or if there is a powerful unspoken connection, or electricity when you touch, those are the kinds of things that seem to really matter. As long as you don't let them blind you into falling into something that can't last. So look for a mixture of the connection, and someone who is the type of person you want.

[mystific]

<unravels the scroll that be my list of wants>

I jest... :)

There's not a whose who or a book of ideals out there its just not possible with the amount of variances that people need from their significant other.

Where I'd prefer to have someone challenge me intellectually to keep me stimulated you may prefer someone who is on par with you and don't like the challenge. I prefer someone who can laugh at my lame jokes and tell me they're lame where you may prefer someone who is the comedian, I prefer someone who is into sport and outdoorsy type activities.. you may prefer someone who likes staying in and watching TV and snuggling on the couch.

It really does come down to what 'you' want and 'who' you connect with.

[talaniman]

Talaniman Rule- never be in a hurry to give your heart to a stranger. Wait until they have proven they deserve it, and know what to do with it.

Talaniman Rule- Doesn't matter how intense the feelings, or how much fun you have, never give your heart to someone you don't know well, and that's only after the lust has worn off for you both.

Talaniman Rule- Give yourself 6 months of dating and getting to know someone, before you decide together to be DATING EXCLUSIVELY, and having fun getting to know each other.

Talaniman Rule-Build a life that you enjoy without a mate and your happiness will attract people who will want to share in it with you.

Talaniman Rule-When you stop looking for love, and do your thing, and enjoy ALL YOUR OPTIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES, love will find you.

The bottom line is to take the time to see if they have qualities that you like. And not just impressing you for short term gain.