What do women want?

By Karen Carpenter

LMFAO's video hit features a decidedly un-sexy group of men doing the 'wiggle' and singing "I'm sexy and I know it". We can't help but laugh at the antics in the video, but sadly there are men in our lives who look exactly like these characters and actually think we should find them sexy.

One of my previous articles talked about what men want in a woman, so to be fair, I decided to share some of the things that women want. Gentlemen, the three keys are grooming, good graces and giving.

Six-pack and ripped look

We women are usually amazed that men who don't take care of themselves are looking for a woman who is fit. The assumption is that it's masculine to be rugged, code word for sloppy. And while a little extra chub can be cuddly, women want a man who looks physically fit.

Some want the six-pack and ripped look, but most would settle for a man who keeps a trim middle. Hair, teeth and nails are next followed by well-fitting clothes. If you are not sure what to look for in clothes, ask a willing female friend to go shopping with you. It will make a world of difference. The only time women don't mind a sloppy man is if they don't want anyone else to find him attractive.

Good manners

Men with good manners are never out of style. While a woman may not be attracted to a man who appears prissy, getting rid of the crude jokes and pushy pick-up lines is a plus. Among the good graces a woman admires is a man who can hold a conversation where every sentence does not focus on something about himself. Good manners are sexy and cave men attract cave women.

Give in the bedroom; ask your woman what she wants before you get into the bedroom. Make yourself attractive; shower before bed and lose the tacky underwear, the bleached-out, stretched-out briefs and faded pyjamas. One woman went for her first and last romantic getaway with her new man who happily handed her a pair of men's pyjamas at bedtime. Not the most romantic gesture, try sexy his and hers lingerie instead.

Be a giver, not a taker. This doesn't mean you have to shower women with gifts. A little kindness means a lot. Give your woman undivided attention from time to time. Remember small gestures and make time to have fun together.

If all you do at home is duty, you must be having fun elsewhere. Bring the fun home. Listen more, pay attention and think ahead. Give her "some romance, a little candlelight, some slow dance, more talks, more walks, more feeling close to you." The group Champaigne got it right with that one.

Dr Karen Carpenter is a Florida board-certified clinical sexologist and psychologist. She is also the host of a radio programme, 'Love & Sex with Dr Karen Carpenter'.