Growing up in secondary school, it was pretty much solely based on looks. As a group of competitive males, you wanted to be able to say to your mates 'i've got a fitter girlfriend than you'. But often those relationships didn't go the distance, they weren't built on solid ground.
As I've got older, I've realised it is about more than just looks. Some say it, but I really mean it. You need somebody you've got something in common with, somebody on the same wavelength as you, somebody with plenty to discuss at the breakfast table with. Attraction is important, but it's not the be all and end all. Not for me now I am coming up to my mid 20s. Some key traits I'd look for are,
Intelligence: You want somebody who can hold a conversation together, somebody up to speed with events in the world, Somebody who realises the world is bigger than her home town. And a woman who is able to do something with effort for the man instead of the man always having to do all the lovey-dovey stuff.
Independence: I dislike those girls that mope around after their boyfriend. You want a strong independent career woman that challenges you. It use to annoy me when I'd ask girls at work what their plans for the weekend are, and they'd say 'whatever the boyfriend is doing'. It really annoys me. You as her boyfriend, would want to be just one part of her life, along with her social circle, career, family etc. Somebody with nothing else going for them isn't attractive.
Strong Minded: You want somebody that knows what they want out of life, and has the desire and mental strength to go out and get it. Also somebody that challenges you and isn't afraid to disagree with you and debate with you.
So, those three things for me would be desirable attributes. Looks are important, there has to be a level of attraction, but I suppose what I'd say is (and sorry to put it in these terms) I'd take a 6/10 with the above traits rather than a 9.5/10 without them.
Bonus Attributes would be: Somebody open to new things in all areas of life, whether this be new things in terms of travel, weekend experiences, action sports, bedroom antics. And another bonus attribute, I would absolutely love love love a girl that liked Video Games.
Anybody like that, please be in touch