10 Essential Traits Every Woman Should Seek in a Partner (2 of 6)

2. He speaks up

Look for a man who can clearly express what he wants. That kind of honesty keeps relationships strong. The truth is, many guys avoid this—he might be longing for a back rub or a foot massage but struggle to ask. In the healthiest partnerships, both people voice their needs so they can feel loved, appreciated, and understood.

3. He values a partnership of equals

If you’ve ever sensed you weren’t standing on equal ground in a relationship, there’s a good chance mutual respect was missing. For much of history, patriarchal norms kept women from having a say in money, power, and even their own bodies. Times have changed—and you deserve a partner who doesn’t need to control you, but chooses to walk beside you as an equal.