What's in a Man

As a newly inducted member of the Perth Single Scene, I've had a fair deal of time on my hands to do some thinking. You know, about who I really am as a 'single' after all those years as a pair, about who I am as a woman (I'm not the high school girl I remember and that's probably a good thing) and about what I really want in and for my life. My life as I knew it has certainly changed and, although it's tinged with a touch of sadness, I'm enjoying all the new and exciting possibilities of having more space to just be me.

Although I'm not looking to fill my 'man vacancy' any time soon, the other day i got to thinking about what I would look for or want in a man, or what my potential criteria might be in any case. I thought about what I had learnt from my previous relationship about compatibility and common ground, and I thought about what I would and wouldn't be willing to compromise the next time. Strangely enough all I could come up with was a list of things he must like in the culinary department! That's right, never mind about his endearing qualities, what he does for a living or where he sees himself in five years, I just want to know that we're 'cuisine-compatible'. I can hear you laughing, my girlfriends did the same when I told them. But in all seriousness, I've come to believe that commonalities in culinary preference are quite important in a relationship - after all, food is what brings people together. Or maybe it's just that me and food are such great friends, I wouldn't want anyone to come between us. What can I say - I love to cook (maybe that's the little Greek in me coming out to wave her magical wooden spoon wand) and I hate being limited in my cooking repertoire.

So here's what I came up with:

• Must like seafood (fish & prawns are essentials - it would be better if you also liked mussels and oysters but if you've got the first two, I can compromise on the others).
• Must like Japanese cuisine (those who know me well, know how much I love Japanese food).
• No vegetarians - I appreciate the good deed your doing for society at large, but if you don't eat any meat at all it's a deal breaker (I come with a little Greek in me and you'll need to keep him happy with a lamb roast once in a while).
• However, that said, meat and potatoes every night does not a meal make. Must appreciate the option of a non-meat meal and not be afraid to put a little salad on the side of that steak dinner. (My vegetarian lasagne is absolutely bloody awesome!)
• Must not be afraid of a little spice (chilli is your friend, remember that).
• Must like some fruits (you don't have to eat an apple a day but fruit and dessert are synonymous - and baby, I love dessert).

So those are the must-haves! I don't think that's really too much to ask, do you? ;)
Coupled with that are a few other small things I thought of (once I managed to pull my hungry little brain away from my stomach).

• Must be gay friendly (I'm not asking him to get down and boogie in a gay bar, but appreciation for everyone's choices without criticism is basic human courtesy).
• Can't be addicted to computer games (nothing wrong with a little x-box here and there but everyday is not an option and neither is all day Saturday).
• You car is not more important than your girlfriend (nothing wrong with car appreciation but if you'd turn me down to watch the V8 Supercars you fail).
• You must be able to remember my birthday (and not just because it's the same date as one of your mate's) as well as those of your family - I'm not a weekly reminder system, that's what the calender in your phone is for.
• Taking me out for dinner is not just for special occasions, sometimes you should just do something nice because it's a nice thing to do (and trust me - it'll score you some brownie points).
• And if you don't like Fremantle, I don't like you.

So there you have it, a no-fuss, no-nonsense, straight forward list for a man. Summed up and in no uncertain terms, basically the way to my heart is through my stomach!