Men! and men-in-training. Looking for the perfect woman? Here's 10 qualities you want in a wife:
10. Independence
Your woman needs to be independent. That is, able to operate without you. When I was in Afghanistan, I wasn't worried about my wife. I knew she could handle her own while I was gone. Other men in my unit however, we're always worried about their wives. How they would get along without them. That's a lot of undue stress. So look for a woman who is capable of holding her own, and you won't have to worry if anything happens to you.
9. Submission
This one's going to get me in trouble. But men, you are the leaders of the home, or of the pack. however you like to think of it. If you're leading right, your future wife won't have any issues following your lead. If you're weak spirited, and she's over bearing, it will be a recipe for disaster. So make sure you're ready to lead before getting married. And if you are ready to be husband and father, and they still want to run the show, maybe time to cut sling load as we like to say (that means run away).
8. Fidelity
Yup. Fidelity. No point in getting married to woman who's going eye the pool guy all day long. While I was deployed, and separated from my wife, I never had to worry about that stuff. And cheating is a serious crime. It can drive men off the edge. I've known people who've killed themselves over an unfaithful spouse. So make sure she's going to be faithful to you, because the consequences of not being faithful suck.
7. Cleanliness
I don't know about you, but I like a woman who takes care of her body, and her home. That means daily bathing, brushing of teeth, and an overall clean environment. Believe it or not, some people don't do those things. So find yourself a woman who takes care of herself, and she will no doubt take care of you as well.
6. Kindness
That's right. Ever heard the story of Cinderella? How the dad married the evil step-mom? That guy sucked. He let that evil woman crap all over his daughter. Bad leadership! and bad wife pick! You want someone who's strong yet kind. Someone who can take care of you, and yours, and also have a heart for others. Kindness goes a long way.
5. Work Ethic
Ethic! No one wants a house slug. You want a woman that works! either inside or outside the home (Reference Proverbs 31 for more info on this). You want a woman who stays busy, takes care of business and isn't afraid to put in some extra hours. This will pay dividends in the future. Also, the ability to get a little dirty never hurt either. Like growing food in the backyard, or something like that.
4. Frugality
You should not be an ATM for your future wife. Spending habits are huge, as financial matters are huge in a relationship. If you're nothing more than a money machine so she can keep the malls in business, you're in trouble. You want someone that can be frugal. Someone that can sacrifice their wants for the families needs. So don't let this one get past you. After all, it's in the top 5.
3. Character
Does she steal? does she take advantage of others? or play manipulative games? If so, run for the hills! You want a woman who has a desire to do the right thing. If she will step over others, she will certainly step over you given the opportunity. And in a marriage, the two must be one. So be sure you got someone that you can sleep next too with both eyes closed. Because you don't want to be wondering why she took that life insurance policy out on you, and then made you that really nice bowl of chili.
2. Loyalty
I know, fidelity is already on the list. However, you need a spouse that is going to be loyal to you, and your mission. Someone who won't cut and run at the first sign of trouble. Someone that will stand with you though thick and thin, because there are going to be times in life that running seems like a good option (it isn't). So find a wife that will be loyal to you in all matters of life.
1. Godliness
And number 1 on the list. Godliness!!! and for more information on this, read the Bible. But you need a woman who is saved. A woman who will put God first in her life, and allow for His guidance. If she doesn't listen to God, what makes you think she's going to listen to you? So find a woman who has a relationship with the Creator before she has a relationship with you.
I hope this helps. And just to let you know, these qualities are a two-way street. So don't get to thinking it's not. And don't buy into all that stuff on the t.v. Looks aren't everything. As a matter of fact, that didn't even make it on the list. Anyway, let me know your thoughts below, and if you have any questions, feel free to message.