The 21st century woman is independent, fun-loving and most importantly blunt. She says what's on her mind fearing none and is not hassled with what society thinks of her decisions. But when it comes to being with someone, there's a lot that she has on her checklist. A recent research in the UK interviewed about 2000 women and the results that surfaced were unbelievable. Women listed that according to them, the ideal man was someone who eats meat, drives an expensive car, rings up his mother twice a week, drinks beer, earns a handsome share a year (around 48,000 pounds) amongst other qualities.
So with women wanting so much from their Mr Perfect, the question that arises is, are women of this century becoming demanding and unreasonable, if not materialistic when it comes to selecting a partner for themselves? While finding a match, are the expectations of a woman extremely high?
Copy writer Bishnupriya Sen says, "Women today are not expecting a knight in shining armour to rescue them. They're more in control of their lives and want acompanion... someone who respects her for what she has achieved." Gunjan Jain, a writer, contradicts stating, "Gone are the days when women looked for some 'real' qualities in men like chivalry, intelligence, independence, reliability, etc. Sadly the women of today just look for men with the best jobs, the biggest bank accounts or the most fashionable zip codes. Ask them about their dream man and their answer has to be someone like Chuck Bass (the rich bad boy of Gossip Girl). Talk about being materialistic and unrealistic!"
Clinical psychologist Mansi Hassan says, "Women do have high expectations from men as they themselves have become more achievement-oriented. The paradox is that they also are able to complete the missing aspects when they want to work on a relationship. But women need to be more realistic than materialistic as you need someone who matches your wavelength, emotional and attraction quotient. It is important to bank on a bankable person and not just someone with a good bank balance.
We asked some known faces what they think about the study and how'd they describe their ideal man?
Zoa Morani
Women today are more independent and don't need to depend on a man for anything, which is why the standard of her ideal man has risen. Now it's more about compatibility as women can take care of themselves. As for me, my ideal man would be someone who I can get along with like a house on fire, someone who's mature and understanding, so I can look upto him every single day and learn something from him. Everything else is relative.
Gauhar Khan
I don't think there's any such thing like an ideal man or woman. For me, it's important that the man I am with, has values and basic etiquette, is educated, is aware of what's happening around him, respects his family, women and people of all classes. I don't give one bit about how much beer he drinks, if he's sloshed or forgets his mother.
Aanchal Kumar
I can't identify with half the things this study stated. For me, the physical appearance hardly matters. It's more about the man's personality and not how much he earns or what he does in his pastime. My ideal man would be someone who I can have a conversation with and who's company I would enjoy. He should be a self-made man who respects everyone around him.
Kritika Kamra
Women of today are just more practical. Gone are the days when we used to wait for our 'Prince Charming'. There is no ideal man or woman. I am a little old school. I'll still wait for the chivalrous, self-made, righteous, successful man. But well, if that breed is extinct, the one that eats meat, drives a nice car, calls his mom and knows how to party will do just fine.
Women of today are just more practical. Gone are the days when we used to wait for our 'Prince Charming'. There is no ideal man or woman. I am a little old school. I'll still wait for the chivalrous, self-made, righteous, successful man. But well, if that breed is extinct, the one that eats meat, drives a nice car, calls his mom and knows how to party will do just fine.
Sona Mohapatra
An ideal man from my point of view is one who is secure with himself and has a clear understanding of what is fair and unfair and has the drive to change circumstances. The 'sense of humour' and the expensive car could be an added bonus but I can do without it too.
Bani J
I don't think it really matters what the man's assets are. I would prefer someone who is understanding, patient and funny. It will be really cool though if he earns as much money as I do, if not more and has a big house. Trust me, it doesn't matter if he even calls his mom or not, his mother should bother about that one.
The qualities of the perfect man according to this study are:
1. Six feet tall
2. Muscly, toned and athletic
3. Brown eyes
4. Short dark hair
5. Educated to degree level
6. Earns more than you
7. Earns 48,000 pounds a year
8. Drives an expensive car
9. Jokes around and has a laugh
10. Sensitive when you are upset
11. Tells you he loves you only when he means it
12. Admits it when he looks at other women
13. Wants a family
14. Rings mum regularly
15. Non smoker
16. Drinks beer or lager
17. Gorges on meat
18. Dresses smartly and is stylish
19. Enjoys shopping
20. Gets ready in about 17 minutes
21. Clean shaven
22. Smooth chest
23. Can swim
24. Can ride a bike
25. Can change a tyre
26. Watches soaps
27. Enjoys watching football
28. Holds a driving licence
By Simi Kuriakose
This article originally appeared in The Times of India
