Husband Material

A fellow blogger and HU Alum, Shaka Shaw (shakashawshow.wordpress.com), had a rather interesting post recently, outlining what he considers the most important traits in a woman, or ‘Wifey Points’ as he calls them. This got me to thinking about what attributes make a man ‘Husband Material.’ It’s only fair that we (women) have our own list, right?

So now I present to you, my list of qualities that makes a man worth settling down for…..

1. Humor Me- I know that this may not be on the top of every woman’s list but I love to laugh and consequently can’t stand a man that lacks the ability to crack a joke, make a sly remark, or just keep the hell up. I’ve been blessed (or cursed depending on how you look at it) with a smart mouth and the keen ability bring a smile (or at least a smirk) to the faces of others with one gratuitously humorous remark. If I’m at a party cracking jokes and having a good time and you’re in the corner somewhere looking like you’d rather be at the doctor getting a prostate exam, it won’t work.

2. Fix my sh*t- There’s nothing sexier than a man that knows how to use a power tool. I’m not saying that you need to be the black Bob Villa but there’s something to be said about a man who can fix a broken shower curtain rod or install a ceiling fan. I know that these 2009 “educated” brothas out here are more apt to call a handyman then risk ruining their fresh manicures, but a man who can break out a cordless drill gets 1,000 hubby points in my book (extra credit for a man who can change the oil in my car).

3. Put me on- When we’re on the phone discussing what we’re gonna do for our first date and you suggest going to Lucky Strike and catching a movie, the odds are not in your favor. Dinner and a movie is SO 2001. I want to be put on to some new sh*t. Jazz at your favorite underground spot, an art exhibit in Anacostia, rock climbing, ice skating, SOMETHING. Either dudes have stopped trying or just don’t know any better. Either way, I’m over it. Can I be put on for once?

4. Music to my ears- This one is simple. If your favorite artists are Soldier Boy, MIMS, and O.J. da Juiceman, I probably won’t want to date you let alone marry you. My musical taste is pretty broad and it’s important that my husband’s IPOD contains more than just Lil Wayne mix tapes and DJ Khalid’s greatest hits. Every heard of J* Davey my brotha? Step your game up….

5. It’s 2009, dress accordingly- I’m not saying that I’m the black Posh Spice, but I like to look good. With that being said, there’s nothing worse than a man who still dresses like it’s 1999. Is that an ED Hardy T-shirt? Wide Legged jeans? Diesel Sneakers? Come on now. I don’t expect you to be Thomas Pink-ed or Purple Labled from head to toe but at least look like you’re dressing for this decade. And while we’re on the subject of clothes…..

6. Mix it up- There’s nothing more pretentious than a man that only wears one brand of clothing or doesn’t own a fresh pair of kicks. Yes, we are grown, but does that mean you have to wear loafers and a sport jacket to the grocery store? I like a man who can go from rocking an Armani suit one day to a Polo hoodie and a pair of Blazers the next. On the flip side, a man whose idea of dressing up is an Express button up and a pair of Kenneth Cole’s won’t be getting any points from me either.

7. Chivalry is NOT dead- Contrary to popular belief, women still appreciate a man with manners. Open the car door for me, pull out my seat at the restaurant, and pour my glass of wine first. Yes, I can do these things myself but I fully believe in a man and a woman playing their respective ‘roles.’ Unfortunately, chivalry has become a lost art in 2009. A man who still possesses these characteristics gets an extra 5,000 hubby points in my book.

8. Cook for me- Ok, ok. I know a lot of men do not possess the same prowess in the kitchen as most women but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. I thin k that in 2009, every man should have one go-to meal to ‘get the panties wet.’ Call your Mama for a recipe and practice! Even if it isn’t all that tasty, we’ll appreciate the effort.

9. Be secure with your sh*t! - Whether you’re a teacher with a second job at Macy’s or the CEO of your company, own it! There’s nothing worse than a man insecure with where he is in life. I know we can all stand to do better but as long as you’re working toward a goal, I can’t be mad. Just because you drive a Civic and I drive an Audi, it doesn’t mean I won’t give you a chance. But if you act like it’s a problem, it will be.

So ladies, did I miss anything? Leave me a comment and let me know!