criteria for the perfect man

So my sister and I have laughed continually over the past several years about this list, so I felt like posting it. When I got divorced, I was damned if I was going to be getting into another relationship that was going to turn out like that, so I created this massive list of characteristics that any guy I dated would have to fit in order for me to be serious about him. Some of it is realistic, and some is ridiculous, but only a few were missing in Tony… Just a good laugh, now.

1. Smart but not arrogant
   
2. Very secure and strong
   
3. Emotionally independent
   
4. Funny
   
5. Understands I will never be his mother
   
6. Self-sufficient
   
7. Accepts everything about me – I am talking clothes, hair, personality, EVERYTHING
   
8. Takes care of me – treats me like a girl – I don't want to have to ALWAYS be the dominant person.
   
9. Not Catholic
   
10. Understands and accepts my parents' religion – enough to not ridicule and to be able to take my parents talking about it
    
11. No overbearing family
    
12. No rich parents – did not grow up rich
    
13. Dad treats Mom/wife well
    
14. No kids
    
15. Never married
    
16. Creative in some way (music, art, writing, etc.). If musical, ABLE TO LISTEN TO A BAND WITHOUT BEING ANNOYING
    
17. Open-minded (politically, religiously, musically, about lifestyles and genders)
    
18. Can talk to me for hours and listens well
    
19. Likes Mexican food – or at least doesn't only eat steaks
    
20. Wants to travel
    
21. Gives a good massage
    
22. Fairly well-educated
    
23. ULTIMATELY RESPECTFUL in all ways
    
24. Likes birthdays and Christmas
    
25. Takes care of me when I'm sick
    
26. Not an obsessive clean freak
    
27. Likes TV/movies and preferably books
    
28. Appreciates my favorite movies: American History X, Reality Bites, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Legend of Billie Jean, Better Off Dead
    
29. Can sit and chill
    
30. No more than five years older/three years younger
    
31. Worships the ground I walk on
    
32. Likes my family
    
33. I like his family
    
34. We like each other's friends
    
35. Has to fit in with Cheyenne and them
    
36. Good kisser
    
37. Doesn't think everyone unlike him is stupid
    
38. If he wants to have kids, agrees with my ideas about them
    
39. Isn't anal about his finances but isn't a spending freak either
    
40. Good looking
    
41. Can argue without being mean
    
42. Happy at job or willing to leave if not – preferably career-oriented
    
43. Not too materialistic
    
44. Cooks well. And a lot.