The 5 Things Men and Women Should Look for in a Mate

Is finding a mate much more simple and straightforward than we’ve often made it out to be?

It’s no secret that marriage rates are declining. Recent data from Pew shows that between 1960 and 2016, marriage rates for those 18 and older fell from 72 percent to 50 percent.

There are many theories on why this is. The rise of cohabitation and the fear of divorce. The increase in education attainment. The proliferation of student loan debt. The belief in a soul mate marriage.

That last option is more prevalent than we might imagine. Writing in Psychology Today, Dr. Jeremy Nicolson cites a Marist poll on the topic which found that nearly three-quarters of American men and women “believe that they are destined to find their one, true, soul mate.”

Unfortunately, as Dr. Nicolson goes on to relate, such a belief will often set the individual up for disappointment. Research shows that those who look for the soul mate marriage are more likely to be those who flit through life with “short-term flings” rather than long-lasting, mutual commitment for life.

So if the soul mate spark is not the key indicator for marriage, what should one be looking for in a spouse?

American Founder Noah Webster had a few things to say on that topic. He encouraged young men to marry, but warned them to stay away from the woman who:

• Is devoted to entertainment

• Is a narcissist

• Draws excessive attention to herself

• Flirts and seeks multiple partners

On the other hand, Webster encouraged young men to consider young ladies with the following traits as quality marriage material:

• One who exercises common sense

• One who is well-educated or exhibits an “accomplished mind”

• One with a sweet and well-mannered disposition

• One who appreciates home and family life

• One who has regard toward religion

“Such is the woman,” writes Webster, “who will divide the sorrows, and double the joys of thy life. Take her to thyself; she is worthy to be thy nearest friend, thy companion, the wife of thy bosom.”

But Webster’s marriage advice also extends to the ladies. In regards to the don’ts of marriage, Webster advises women to avoid men who:

• Use flattery excessively

• Are eager to rush into marriage

• Try to sway with fine speeches

A woman, however, should look for a man who:

• Is a hard worker

• Uses his money wisely

• Has respect for the female sex

• Appreciates religion

• Does not fall prey to “low vices”

To the modern ear, Webster’s advice may seem quaint. But is there still a lot of wisdom and truth in it for today’s young people? Is finding a mate much more simple and straightforward than we’ve often made it out to be?

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This article is republished from Intellectual Takeout under a creative commons license.