New Look, New Standards: We're Setting the Bar THIS High for the Guys We Date

Attraction. This one goes both ways. You need to know he finds you completely appealing, mentally and physically, and you need to feel the same way about him. This doesn't mean he has to have washboard abs or that you have to have sex twice a day, every day, but it does mean you shouldn't be spending time with a guy who does nothing for you just because you're worried you won't find one who does.

Success. It's not about his job title or the square footage in his apartment, but he should have a life he's happy with and that you want to be a part of. You should support your partner through rough patches, but if he drinks heavily to deal with his problems, or spends months playing video games instead of looking for a new job, you can't fix his life and he shouldn't expect you to. Don't get dragged into his pattern of failure because you won't be able to change it for him and he won't change it for you.

Respect. Not to get all Aretha Franklin on you, but…just a little bit, as she would say. If he doesn't take your job seriously, treats your friends like they don't matter, or expects you to drop everything for him but can't bother to be there when you have a rough day, he doesn't see you as equals. Find someone who does.

You would think these would be obvious requirements, but I bet most of us can admit that at least once, we've settled (temporarily, I hope) for a guy who didn't meet all or maybe any of them. And that's unacceptable. No more, OK girls? It's all or nothing when it comes to this list. For me, that means no more dating just to have some company, no more ignoring my gut instinct to turn down a second date because I feel bad, and definitely no more moping over certain exes who were never up to my standards anyway.

I'm ready to be a brand new dating woman, and I hope you are too. If we set the bar THIS high we'll get everything we need and deserve, but it's not so high that a good man can't fly right over it with ease.

Be honest: Have you ever dated someone who wasn't up to these standards? Join the crowd, girl. But are you with me on making over your love life? What other requirements would you add to this list?

You should also read:

How to Stop Dating Bad-for-You-Boys for Good

10 Little Dating Mistakes That Could Be Keeping You Single

Dating Men: 11 Secret Love Tests Guys Give Women

Photos: Courtesy of NBC