A good listener
A woman would like to marry a man who can listen to her problems without interrupting and offering solutions to every point she brings up. Listening is a skill that men and women accomplish differently. Women tend to view a friend who can listen effectively as trusted and very special. It is the same with the way they expect their husbands to listen. A husband who does not take the time to listen to what is being said, but is engaged in some other activity or interrupts will not be viewed as a good listener. Women may talk about problems as a solution in itself, rather than seeking guidance. A husband who silently listens and maintains eye contact has done what his wife wants.
Honesty
Husbands who regularly lie to their wives will not win their trust or esteem. Wives want to know that they can trust their husbands. If they lie, then how can they be sure that their husbands are not cheating on them or doing something else that could destroy the marriage? Honesty goes hand in hand with trust. A wife who cannot trust her husband will be more inclined to nag, go through her husband's pockets and check up on him. But if he is open with her, then she will not feel the need to check up on him and their relationship will be more harmonious.
Regard for the wife's sexual needs
Sex is an important part of marriage, but it is all too often turned into a contentious subject. Sexual complaints are often centered on the frequency of sex and the overall feelings of intimacy in marriage. A wife equates sex with intimacy and love. While this is also true to a certain degree for husbands, they may lose sight of their wife's needs and just seek to satisfy their own sexual needs. A wife can then feel resentful and used if she only receives affection when her husband wants sex. She may then retaliate by refusing sex, which will then make the husband feel rejected. A way to combat this problem is to make sure that each partner is loving and affectionate at other times. Watching a film as you are both cuddled up on the sofa together can be very intimate, and kissing when there is no pressure to have sex will also draw a couple closer together. That way, wives will not see a sudden outburst of affection as a prelude to sex.
A good provider
Even in this day and age, women still want to find a man who will be able to adequately provide for the basic necessities of life, such as a home, food and clothing. When both spouses work, they will want to provide for the common good of the household and to be financially secure, so that they know there is money in the bank to cover the bills and shopping expenses. That does not mean that husbands who cannot work due to disability or those who choose to stay home with their children are not “good providers”. Husbands provide in many other ways by taking care of household chores, washing the car(s) and by being on hand to mend things, if they are able to do so.
Someone they can look up to and respect
Prospective wives want to have a find a husband whom they can look up to for advice and direction if they need it. Spouses should develop a close relationship with one another, not relying on other people outside the marriage to provide them with a deep, intimate relationship. This is often how affairs start out. While it is possible to be “just friends” with members of the opposite sex, the other party may take it the wrong way and end up attached to your spouse. A wife shows respect for her husband by not discussing intimate details about her marriage with her family and friends. It is also easier for others to look up to a husband if he has a good standing, rather than knowing of his faults and indiscretions.
In short, a good husband has many qualities, not all listed above, that will help to contribute to a successful marriage. It is not wrong to have high standards and ideals when searching for a husband. Fulfilling basic requirements will help to ensure that the marriage is a happy one, provided both are committed to compromising and making the marriage work.
