Glimpse into College Dating: Guys and Girls Reveal Top Traits

It’s spring time and the idea of love is in the air. This makes for a perfect time to find out just what the opposite gender is looking for in a potential date. Unfortunately, the college dating scene can sometimes be tricky. It is hard to know what the opposite gender is looking for in a relationship. I decided to dig up the secrets and interview some college girls and guys to uncover some of the information that usually goes unknown. Communication is key! It is interesting to note that both girls and guys looked for similar traits.

“Sometimes the one thing you are looking for is the one thing you can’t see.” -Anonymous

The question I asked was: “What is the number one quality you look for in the opposite gender?”

Here is what the guys said…

“Kindness and tolerance because it takes a lot of dedication to be close to someone.” -Storm

“Emotional maturity and intelligence are at the top because it’s much easier to develop a deep and dynamic relationship with someone who is able to understand you on many levels.” -Austin

“Sensitivity, ability to care for the other person, sense of humor and honesty because you have to be open with each other and I think trust is the most important thing in a relationship. A sense of humor is good because it helps keep things more fun and relaxed.” -Brandon

“Intelligence because it’s really frustrating if someone doesn’t get what your saying or if you can’t have a deep conversation with them.” -Kellen

“She must be able to be super goofy and be able to make fun of herself. If we were together for a long time, that smile and face is going to fade and a healthy sense of humor is ageless.” -Evan

The guys seem to enjoy a girl that can keep the mood light with humor. They want to be able to connect with her in many areas of life. Ideal traits: Funny, emotionally mature, and intelligent.

As for the girls…

“Humor because anyone who makes me laugh makes me happy, and I need a little sarcasm to remind me not to be so serious about everything. Humor is the key to my heart.” -Colleen

“Sense of humor because it allows you to connect on a more laid back and comfortable level.” -Maddie

“I look at how approachable and easy to talk to they are. I feel that if they are easy to talk to, I can connect with them more easily and see if there is any potential relationship; whether it be a friendship or more.” -Katelyn

“Trust and someone you can just be your goofy self around because if you have to put on an act then you know you’re going down the wrong road.” -Christina

“Trust, its the foundation of any good relationship. If you can’t trust each other it puts stress on the people involved. It breeds resentment and dishonesty rather than a strong, genuine relationship.” -Beth

The ladies search for a guy they can trust completely. For these classy co-eds, trust seems to be the most important trait with humor as a close second. Ideal traits: Trustworthy, humorous, and approachable.

Both the college girls and guys stressed the value of trust. People are attracted to someone who makes them feel emotionally safe. Along with trust, both genders agreed that humor is an important component in the college dating scene. Humor and trust come together to make a powerful combination. These opinions are generalized, but they present points of view that will give you a fresh perspective when dating this spring. The best dating tip still holds true: Be yourself and all else will fall into place.

Maggie Young is a sophomore at the University of Kansas majoring in Journalism. She looks for someone who is genuine, kind, and can make her laugh. Happy dating to all!