(ThyBlackMan.com) All men are not the same and neither should they be. However, there are three characteristics that every man should have: be a leader, a great listener and respectful, while dating a woman. These three characteristics are in no particular order but are necessary to have.
Be a leader:
A woman wants someone who can lead her in life and biblically speaking, lead her closer to God. Although women are nurturers, a woman does not want to date a man that she feels more like she’s raising a child. Note that being a leader does not mean that you are dictator. The greatest leaders are the greatest servants to mankind. Think of Malcolm X, Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and so forth. All great leaders who provided great service to 
mankind in some type of way. So in order to be of great service to a woman or a leader, you have to genuinely serve her emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Get rid of the “I’m the king of this castle” mentality because those days are long gone. From the way you treat a woman you’re dating, sets the tone for your entire relationship.
Be a great listener:
Allow the woman you’re dating to speak her mind. Do not cut her off, make decisions for her without conversing with her first or disregard what she’s saying to you. Women appreciate a man who is a great listener. If you are dating, you may be the closest person that she feels like she can confide in so she unravels the struggles of her days to you. Just listen! If you want to give her advice on something, ask her if she wants it first. Don’t start rambling off what she should’ve, could’ve, would’ve done. A woman will more than likely appreciate you for listening and your actions will confirm that you value her thoughts and opinions.
Be respectful:
This goes without saying but please be respectful while you’re dating a woman (and in life). Respect her mind, body and soul. Respect her boundaries at all times. Being of service to her and being a great listener should equate to you respecting her if all are done cohesively. You cannot disrespect a woman and demand that respect be giving to you. Women are human beings and showing your partner respect shows that you value the relationship and her. Being respectful towards the woman you’re dating will ignite her to reciprocate that same level of respect. Being respectful to her intersects with being faithful to the woman you’re dating or be honest and respect her enough to tell her that you dating multiple people at this time. This will keep down a lot of confusion and drama.
Dating in today’s society is not something that is a 1-2-3 steps rule that will help you master the art of understanding the opposite sex. Some women (and men) enter into relationships with unrealistic expectations from their partner. However, these are three basic characteristics that any man needs to have while dating a woman no matter her age, religious beliefs or race. Step up in the relationship when needed and always take a step back and listen to her. Respect the boundaries that she has in place with herself and within the relationship.
Staff Writer; Felicia T. Simpson
One may also connect with this sister online over at; FTSimpson.com.