4. A man who respects you.
“I’m done with men who are controlling and condescending. I look for someone who can appreciate me as an individual and who thinks a relationship should be built on mutual respect,” stated a young woman in her 20s, listing the criteria for her new partner. When you choose a man who doesn’t look down on his girlfriend, you feel validated as an equal partner. If you experienced your ex patronizing you constantly, don’t settle for anything less than an equal standing in your next relationship.