Every Friday we hear from a different female guest blogger about what she thinks makes a man exceptional. This week Doniree Walker tells us how to be more than just ‘good’. Enjoy.–cg
In order to determine what I believe makes a man exceptional, I decided to take a step back and start with what makes a man good, and what makes a man great. I realize my priorities might be different from those of other women, but digging back through the memory archives that are the men I’ve dated before, these are the things I believe take men from good to great to exceptional, and are the qualities I’m holding out for:
What Makes a Man Good
- A good man has a strong work ethic. No, really. I’ve dated “struggling musicians,” and while I’m all over a man who’s into taking risks and making sacrifices to pursue his passions, men who aren’t willing to work their tails off to get there and think it’s just going to happen is not exceptional.
- A good man can cook. I’m not talking gourmet cuisine (but hey, that’s fun too), but a guy that can handle the basics of an actual meal? I’ve found that once you get past college, this isn’t too tough to come by. Good.
What Makes a Man Great
- A great man has solid relationships with his friends. It’s extremely telling how a man will treat a woman in looking at how he treats his friends.
- A great man has goals. I’m not talking about a crazy to-do list, but a great man knows what’s important to him and aligns his life in such a way to accomplish those things.
What Makes a Man Exceptional
- An exceptional man is selfless. An exceptional man uses his skills and talents and knowledge to help other people, be it at work, in relationships, as a mentor, to family, etc. An exceptional man recognizes that he had mentors and inspirers and supporters along his way and makes it a point to pay that back.
- An exceptional man holds me to the same high standards that I hold him. He recognizes that a woman who expects exceptional better damn well be exceptional herself. He expects the same kindness, ambition, respect, and compassion that I expect of him and encourages me to be the best version of myself. In the same way I won’t settle for less than exceptional, he won’t either.
Bottom line? Integrity makes a man exceptional.
Doniree, 26, is a blogger, people lover, wine enthusiast, and general fun-haver currently living in Minneapolis, MN. She writes regularly chronicling her own personal journey through relationships, yoga, food, wine, and travel.
Photo credit: Engin Erdogan
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen to #1. I don’t need to be with a man who has it all right now, but I do need one that is willing to work hard to get where he wants to be. There’s nothing less attractive than a man who doesn’t share my same motivation for personal success.
“An exceptional man holds me to the same high standards that I hold him.” I could not agree more. I will strive for success on my own, but if he pushes me to be better, that’s just more motivation to grow. Teamwork in relationships is beautiful, especially when it’s he and I pushing each other to be great.
These are right on. When it comes down to one description for me…a man is exceptional when he is honest with himself about who he is as a person, faults and all. When it comes to a relationship, I think a man is exceptional when he challenges me and pushes me to be a better person.
Maybe I should learn to cook.
Not a bad idea. My problem is the motivation. I hate spending hours on something it’s going to take me minutes to eat.
But since Doni isn’t the first FIFF guest blogger to suggest it, guess we should get on it.
Hit the nail on the head. I would add that an exceptional man has something he is passionate about that (outside of work if possible) whether it is film, music, knitting (haha), baseball, or books. I might add, from issues in my own personal experience, that an exceptional man is honest. Well said. One day we will find an exceptional man!
Katie – agreed! And “success” can be defined a lot of different ways, but the bottom line is that ambition is hot.
Jess – I actually JUST had a conversation with a Certain Exceptional Man about wanting to be in a relationship where you’re always trying outdo being good to each other.
Lolly – that’s a huge testament to self-awareness, and definitely something an Exceptional Man is.
Aaron – I bet you make a great pizza.
Caleb – You eat too fast, ha.
Alex – Love those points too. Passion is hot.
Thanks for the responses! I’m loving these