Ladies, what are your expectations for a significant other? What do you think has changed since your parent’s generation in terms of what women want?

[Emiliamazing]

Many women are able to support themselves in today’s society, and I’m just curious what your expectations of a spouse or SO might be. I like the companionship and I like the example he sets for our children. I can certainly live on my own, but enjoy our life together immensely.

[WhatTheHeckkkk]

My expectations for my SO?

• Bottom line is, I expect loyalty, commitment, companionship, communication, shared values/goals, and respect. My SO’s expectations are the same. To go deeper into it, the “shared values/goals” usually check off our expectations for the relationship, such as marriage, children, etc etc.

What has changed?

• I think, simultaneously, a lot and nothing has changed for what women want. It really depends on the generation and culture. My parents were taught that having shared values and goals were most important, because that was what made you compatible. However loyalty, commitment, respect, and communication were already the obvious expectations and we’re definitely given without thought. I think nowadays, you have to make sure that people are on the same level as you, in regards to monogamy, loyalty, and open communication, etc. Relationships nowadays definitely have changed because of technology era as well as different revolutions.

[Emiliamazing]

Your commentary is very much appreciated! I’m hoping that some guys read these posts to see that all of us still have expectations of them that they should be proud to uphold.

[PrettyPriya]

My expectation for my SO is to do what he already does do. This would be show me that he respects me, loves me, make me feel safe, treat me as an equal and be faithful.

Sure, there are many other things that he does and I expect from a partner. Just as he has expectations of me. The biggest is respect. A mutual respect between us is key. We both have our limitations with certain things.

We put in a 50/50 equal when it comes to life tasks. If it is an area that I am strong in, he will defer to my judgement. If it is something he is good at, I let him take the lead.

It is about balance.

I think when comparing this to older generations, it will vary greatly within different cultures. It still does where I live. However, times change rapidly and for the better when it comes to relationships.

[Emiliamazing]

Thank you very much for your response! I appreciate it and I hope that other individuals that read this question and perhaps its answers can come to a good realization of what may be expected to them in a long-term relationship.

[PrettyPriya]

You are most certainly welcome @emiliamazing 😊

[PrettyPriya]

Thank you for the MHO 😊

[SecretsofKB]

I love your use of companionship! I think that is the first and foremost expectation. They are going to have to be my best friend. Without that, there's nothing to build off of for me.

I also expect a partnership. We are now a team. Any problem is now the team's problem and we will figure it out together. If I'm spending the rest of my life with someone, I want it to be a team effort.

[Emiliamazing]

Thank you very much for this insightful reply!

[Emiliamazing]

I really like the point you made about any problem is now a team problem. Working on issues together always brings a couple closer, especially when the issue is the SO’s behavior/attitude and they are willing to improve

[SecretsofKB]

Exactly! Being with someone should make the pair stronger and that's where the teamwork comes in.

[Agape93]

Ladies, what are your expectations for a significant other?

Well I expect loyalty, respect and good hygiene. Preferably someone open minded, likes nature and animals.

What do you think has changed since your parent’s generation in terms of what women want?

I know my grandparents and parents were brought up that no sex was to happen before marriage, you'd get married young and have kids young. No sex for enjoyment, only for babies. Mom would stay home and do everything whilst the guy goes to work then does whatever with the guys.

[Emiliamazing]

Thank you very much for sharing your reply. So much can get lost in the digital age of expressing any sort of feelings or real expectations.

[Agape93]

I agree entirely

[Anonymous]

you don't love him. it's just that he has made a habit of you. I don't think you should leave him, even if you don't love him, choose the one who loves you and get married.

[Emiliamazing]

Is this a general statement? If it is directed at me then perhaps I should reword my question. Husband and I very much love each other and I was really just trying to find out what women think has changed from one generation to the next. Women are definitely more independent now, I can see major differences between our folks and my husband and I regarding our reasons to be together

[Opinion Owner]

It was a general statement. I think you need spend more time together

[Sixgunsound]

Not the target audience but I did read your post.

[Emiliamazing]

Honestly, I probably should’ve slightly reworded the question. I’ve just seen so many guys on here and in real life expressing frustration over developing a relationship with women that I thought this was a useful question to ask.

[Sixgunsound]

If I can’t trust someone it’s over. If I don’t respect someone there’s no point in trying. If they are racist/sexist/socialist/feminist (why use four terms when one will encompass all, though) it isn’t going to work because our fundamental world views are just so vastly different.