If only we had the answer to this question - what a simple world it would be! Of course the answer to this questions has eluded us guys for an eternity. I imagine the person that could come up with the one, single, true answer to this that applied to all women would be a very happy (and likely insanely wealthy) individual.

But - we must be realistic. There is not one single answer to this question as all women are unique in person and in their wants and needs. I'm sure if this question were asked to a group of guys they would all recite some well-programmed statements they have learned over the years from their mother's, father's, aunts, uncles, friends and spouses.

Here's another take on the answer to that question. What if men stopped listening to what women say they want and started paying attention to what women display they want? How to women do this? You can start by observing what type of men they choose to be with. This will give you strong clues as to what women want in their lives. This is not always fool proof though. Often times women will end up with the opposite of what they were hoping for.

A woman says they want a guy that listens - but they date someone that does all the talking. They want someone that has a good sense of humor but they go for the money instead. Why would a woman do this? In my opinion it comes down to a subconscious evaluation of what women really want.

Whether they actively think about this or not women are wondering if the man they choose would make a good father to their children. Even if having kids is the last thing on a woman's mind they can't help but be aware of their biological clock. At some level they need to know if the guy they are with will be a good provider for their kids. This is why they may say they want a nice guy with a good sense of humor but be more attracted to the guy with money because he can offer more for the kids (at least financially).

A woman's perception of what the man does plays a big role in this as well. A guy will likely have a better chance of dating a woman if he is a lawyer vs. a paralegal; a doctor vs. a med tech, etc. Again, the woman is looking at who can provide stability and longevity in a relationship that may involve having children.

Certainly a good income is not enough to assure any man will make a good father. Women are also looking to see if their target guy is generous with his money and someone that is not only able to (but willing) to provide for his family. Some believe that an engagement ring is a sign of how generous you are and how well you can provide for a wife and children.

This perspective may be superficial - but on a subconscious level is there some truth written here. Interesting thoughts?