Diamonds and Dinner Tables: Unique Relationship Advice from Older Women

Over the years, and over meals, over the counter at my retail job, and over the written page, I've received quite a treasure trove of relationship advice from older women on what kind of man to look for. I thought I'd share some of it here.

1. Don't marry for who he might become, but for who he is

I read somewhere that one of the biggest problems with relationships is that women enter relationships thinking he will change, and men enter them thinking she will never change.

2. Don't marry a man who only buys you diamonds

The thought behind this advice, given to me by a middle-aged divorced woman, was a man who only buys you diamonds is someone who is extravagant but thoughtless. He might be checking his box off with you and little more.

3. Marry a man who you can trust with conversation at the dinner table

4. Watch how he treats his mother

5. Marry a man who listens to you but also hears you

6. Marry a man who respects people who have nothing to give him

Yes, this applies to wait staff at restaurants, but also to strangers in general.

7. Marry a man who only has eyes for you

Please never, never settle for someone who is still looking around or overly emotionally close beyond normal friendship with another girl.

8. Marry a man who sees finances as important, and who can save money

Is he going to blow hard-earned cash on video games and unnecessary technology or food or does he know how to manage both his own self-control and his money?

9. Marry a man who respects your parents

10. Never marry a man whose relationship causes you to cut off friends and family

11. Marry a man you can trust

12. Marry the man who you never run out of things to talk about with

13. Marry a man who is accountable

Does he have mentors? Does he hold himself accountable for his actions and take responsibility?

14. Marry a man who preserves not only your physical purity but your emotional purity as well

15. Marry a man who can handle correction

16. Don't marry Almost-Mr. Right

17. Marry a man who knows how to forgive 

16. Marry a man who knows he's not your savior, but points you to your actual savior.

Don't marry someone who sees himself as your redeemer from your situation, whether legitimate or emotionally contrived. Instead, marry a man who encourages devotion to God and gratitude to Christ for His mercy.