The Perfect Match

The 'boyfriend checklist' is something that every girl has in the back of her mind. It's a list that describes the qualities a man must possess in order for him to pass that crucial test that allows him to even entertain the idea of courting her.

Last Sunday I was lazing in bed with my friend Brittany by my side, nursing the worst part of a hangover. She was clutching her throbbing head and I was trying to avoid any sudden movements that might propel my nausea into a full-blown vomiting session. Being my usual chatty self I babbled away about anything and everything until we came across one particular topic that got both of our attention. And it was indeed the age-old, 'What do you look for in a guy?'

I immediately commanded the conversation and began to describe a list of attributes that would make a man worthy of my affections. I definitely wanted someone tall, athletic and I preferred a nice olive shade to the skin, especially one that stayed all year round.

A couple of years older than me would be nice and someone who was settled and looking for a relationship; none of those flimsy, flaky 'I'm still trying to find myself' types. Definitely needed to be generous. He doesn't have to have millions at his disposal but instead be comfortable enough to spoil me with gifts as I too would do the same for him. Nothing chases me away quicker than those guys who count how many drinks they've bought you and then put away their wallets because they've reached their budget for the night. Yuk.

For some reason I've always wanted a guy that is able to pick me up and carry me. I think my fixation with this is due to an unfortunate situation that occurred a while back when I asked my then-crush to carry me on his shoulders at a music festival. After five short seconds he proclaimed I was way too heavy and then proceeded to avoid me all day. My guess is that his biceps were all for show and not much else.

Good manners are imperative. Opening doors, standing when I enter a room, pulling my chair out for me; all of these requests do not deem me as high maintenance; they are the true qualities of a gentleman and score major brownie points. Also being kind to others is essential. No cold-hearted, too cool for school types. I detest nothing more than an arrogant, cruel, power tripping asshole who tries to impress a girl by ordering around bartenders and waitresses.

Last but not least, someone who is tolerant and has an easygoing demeanour. I say 'tolerant' because sometimes I can be a teeny tiny bit bossy. I don't need a hot-headed drama queen for a boyfriend, that's my job thank you very much. Oh also someone who's romantic! I think I’m the most idealistic, sentimental person I know. I used to (actually still do) live and breathe mix 106.5 love songs dedications with the love God Richard Mercer. Someone who isn't afraid to admit to a penchant for love ballads and who wears his heart on his sleeve would compliment me well.

So after gathering all my data, I investigated this information and compared it to a certain someone that caught my eye last night before our vodka binge session ensued. Tall and athletic? Perhaps not. Lean at best and whether he could carry me is definitely debatable. Age appropriate? Well let's just say that when I was his age I was still dotting my i's with love hearts. As for his tolerance level? the waters are yet to be tested...

It was then that I realised that these checklists (although helpful) mean nothing when it comes to finding a guy you want to get physical with. The most important factor is chemistry. It's that little magic ingredient that turns the quirky looking cutie into the hottest thing you have ever laid eyes on. That's when all the superficial little must-haves fly out the window.

Without chemistry you may have the perfect man on paper but the passion between the two of you will be the equivalent of that with you and your gay best friend: non-existent or scoring slightly lower than the latter.

So next time you are creating the perfect guy in your mind's eye, conjuring up a businessman with a chiselled jaw line who's sporting a Rolex is all well and good if that floats your boat; but don't discount the endearing arty type, leaning up against the bar counting his coins for another drink. He may just have that X factor that you've been looking for.