Researchers at the University of Iowa find that men increasingly are interested in intelligent, educated women who are financially stable – and chastity isn’t an issue. The findings are part of a study, conducted every decade since 1939, which asks participants to rank a list of 18 characteristics they would want in a partner on a scale ranging from ‘irrelevant’ to ‘essential.’ Included are such items as ‘sociability’ and ‘good cook, housekeeper,’ as well as ‘mutual attraction and love,’ which came in first place for both men and women in 2008. (In 1939, it wasn’t in the top three for either sex.) Male and female participants in 2008 rounded out their top traits with ‘dependable character’ and ’emotional stability, maturity.’ Men ranked intelligence fourth, a big jump from 11th place in 1939; in addition, ‘good financial prospect’ moved to 12th place in 2008, a shift from its low 17th-place ranking in 1939 and last-place ranking in 1967. ‘This is a generation of men who has grown up with educated women as their mothers, teachers, doctors, and role models,’ said Christine Whelan, head of the study and author of ‘Marry Smart: The Intelligent Woman’s Guide to True Love’ […]