You ready for this?
Reliable.
Loyal comes in close second, partially due to its connection to reliability.
Let's take a look at the definition for a second:
Reliable, adj.
: able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed : able to be relied on
: able to be believed : likely to be true or correct
: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable
I think both "dependable" and "reliable" have gotten a bad rap in recent years. They used to have a positive meaning, like "homely." Today that's not a compliment...homely means ordinary, unattractive or ugly. It used to mean open, friendly and relaxed. If someone said your wife was homely, it was a compliment...that she made your home a warm and hospitable place. Somewhere that you wanted to be, not that you had to go.
The same goes for reliable. Today it more likely equates predictable and boring. To me, it means dependable, trustworthy...someone I know has my back, which is its link to loyalty. I've said before that I'm looking for someone who will take care of me. I don't mean financially or that I'm some kind of damsel in distress. I mean I want someone I can count on. Someone to support me...my thoughts, my beliefs, my actions. Me. I need to know that when someone says something, they mean it. It's not just a nice thought or sentiment, but that it has actual meaning behind it that I can count on. Someone I don't have to second guess or wonder if they're saying something just to placate me with the intention of doing the exact opposite once I've turned away. Someone I can trust, believe...rely on. Because that's the kind of person I want to be...I want my significant other to know they can rely on me as well.
Reliable is an underrated quality that I find highly attractive.
***
Laura Donovan of HelloGiggles put together a list of 10 underrated qualities that she thinks are highly attractive. I commented below each in Purple.
1. Desire to share food.
And by “sharing,” I mean they’ll let you take bites of their meals at restaurants and home because food tastes so much better when the person you adore can enjoy it as well.
It makes me uncomfortable when I'm around people who don't want/like to share their food. I feel like they don't like me or (if they're someone I don't particularly like) that they are selfish and stingy. Therefore it's nice when it's not something I have to think/worry about when I'm with someone.
2. Bedhead
It’s just really cute. Have you ever known a guy with bedhead who wasn’t totally adorable?
I don't really think of bedhead as a quality...kinda like scruff. It's more of an attribute? But both can be attractive.
3. Willingness to watch shows you love.
Maybe he’s not a huge fan of Sex and the City or Girls, but he’ll sit through an episode (or three!) if you’re in charge of the TV sometimes.
It means a lot to me when I know someone is doing something they don't particularly like, simply because they know it's something I like or want. GREAT way to rack up massive brownie points! :)
4. Similar sense of humor.
If you’re very sarcastic, you might not want to date someone who views it as the “lowest form of wit.” If you’re into daffy slapstick humor, it’s important to be with a person who appreciates silliness as well. That way, you can enjoy the same kind of movies and shows — and share a mutual hatred for other kinds of humor.
If you can make me laugh, things are already leaning in your favor...especially since there are a lot of things I don't find funny. Like farts or other bodily functions. Bleh.
5. Calling you out when necessary.
You can’t grow if you don’t own up to areas in which you could use improvement, and someone who really loves you will help you be your best self by letting you know when you’re being irrational, unreasonable or unfair. This doesn’t make them critical, but caring enough to be honest with you.
This is sort of attractive-by-default. A "yes man" is not attractive, making the willingness to let you know when you're being unreasonable, unkind or insensitive a trait to desire in a significant other. It's not like you meet someone and think "I'm attracted to how they call me out on my bullsh*t." You just accept it...even appreciate it...when they do.
6. Being even-tempered.
Getting emotional and frustrated is normal, but no one likes a psychotic rage monster. Calm men (and women) who don’t react to obstacles by punching walls or swearing up a storm have a good hold on their temper and are unlikely to lash out at you when trouble strikes.
I totally get overreacting on occasion. It happens to the best of us. But when it happens constantly...or even frequently...I can't help but file it under "drama queen" and want to move along. There's is nothing less attractive (to me) than a drama queen or attention whore (pardon the expression). Someone who thinks the world revolves around them likely isn't going to be there when you need them.
7. Being great with children.
Whether you want to be a parent someday or not, a person who knows how to interact well with children likely has a decent amount of patience and understanding.
An oldie but a goodie. Seeing a guy being cute with a baby is adorable...playing with toddlers, making them giggle can't help but make you smile...and is very attractive.
8. Not getting grossed out by girl problems.
If it’s that time of month and you’re in pain, your male significant other won’t freak out or shame you for spewing “too much information.” He is an adult and even wants to comfort you through this annoying biological function, even if he cannot relate to it.
While I'm not one to over share about such things (there are plenty of guy things I don't want to hear about, so fairs fair), I also don't want to feel uncomfortable/embarrassed for being in pain. Comforting is always appreciated...like if I'd broken my arm and it's only going to hurt for the next 3-5 days. A little consideration, saying something nice, not giving me a hard time or teasing goes a long way and is another guaranteed way to accrue a ton of brownie points. In exchange, I'll do my best not to take my discomfort and hormone-induced annoyance/impatience out on you and the rest of mankind.
9. Resourcefulness
They might be a solid cook, handyman or car mechanic, but when push comes to shove, they’re incredibly resourceful and DIY. It’s good to be with someone who is always looking for a solution and not simply giving up on a task.
A guy who knows how to change a tire or fix a sink is very attractive. Men like to fix things and solve problems...and while there are exceptions (like when you're trying to talk to them about something that makes you mad/sad/annoyed), it is an attractive trait. I think it branches off from being reliable...knowing you can count of a guy to "get 'er done!"
10. Telling you that you're pretty.
After nearly eight months together, I still get “you look very pretty” every once in a while. Be with an individual who never forgets what a beauty they ended up with.
Never underestimate the value of a sincere compliment. Everyone likes affirmation...and knowing that the time & effort you put into looking nice is not only noticed but appreciated is a really great feeling. It can't help but give you warm fuzzies for the compliment-er. :)
So...there you go.
What are some of your favorite "under appreciated" qualities?
~ Katie
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| This came up when I was looking for "reliable quotes" and it made me laugh. |
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