I wonder how generic these are to other women (or, people in general)? Or is it just me and my "quirks" at play...?
There's not one thing - it's a package. I guess the Must Haves to be remotely attractive are:
~a significant amount of raw intelligence ("educated" or "uneducated" really doesn't matter)
~an overabundance of common sense, and control over it
~a kind and quiet nature
~a healthy sense of humor (any variety)
~a sense of wonder that still is intact, even after all that
~an innate understanding of duty and responsibility (including where it starts *and* ends)
~drive - he must have something, anything, he's really passionate about. (No languishing, angsting couch potatos need apply. )
~the ability to be accepting of "ecentricities" in others
~adaptability and versatility - a "survivor"
~above all, he must be comfortable in his own skin, ok with who and what he is.
That being said, on the flip side, the immediate disqualifiers would be:
~loud, crude individuals
~cruel individuals - if they'll mistreat any living thing in any way, I don't want to know them
~intolerant, controlling personalities
~obesity - sorry, it's just a turnoff. I prefer my men without excessive fat on them.
~I've already been a mother: I don't want to be his. (Nor the reverse scenario)
~guys who smell bad. Smelling like a male after hard physical work or just generically is fine. Actually, it's pretty nice. Not bathing for a month and smelling like a dirty body sprouting fungus is not fine.
Oddly, the physical "type" I think that I think is the most attractive is the one none of my intimate male friends have ever had. One was vaguely close to it, but it's always the mind that makes the difference, for whatever reason. Go figure.