What You Didn't Know

Ask a guy to paint a picture of the girl of his dreams and the words "simple" and "funny" will definitely come up. But you'll be surprised to learn that there are lots more to the "simple-and-funny-girl" answers. One guy shares the other five things you never thought guys loved about girls.

Get Ready, Get Set, Get Dirty
In high school, I knew a lot of girls who belonged to the soccer team. Mind you, these girls were not just trying to get a serious tan. They really loved playing the game. Every Saturday morning, they'd walk onto the field with their shin-guards and spikes, their hair tied in neat ponytails while the boys would be cheering from the bleachers. At the end of every match, these girls would walk back to the sidelines—all muddied up and sweaty after a good game of in-your-face football. "Those girls rocked," recalls Dan, 23.

Don't miss the point, though—it's not the dirt we like but girls who are not afraid to get dirty. It definitely adds to a girl's charm when she can see beyond the grub and grime, and just have fun trying out new things.

The Girl, the Gourmet, and the Closet Gourmand
You might have been told that guys love girls who are slender and fit. What you will probably never be told, however, is that the better picture guys have in their heads are girls who are slender and fit—and are holding a ton of chocolate bars in one arm and a bucket of KFC in the other. "I love girls who can really eat," Noel, 19, says. "None of that 'I'm-gonna-break-my-diet' strain."

You Don't Say
Ever get into a situation where the group is stalled because nobody can decide what to do or where to go? If you have, then you know that it always ends up with someone suggesting one thing and everybody giving it a go. Next time that happens, try being the one to speak up. They'll thank you for it. Who know, you just might catch someone's attention—maybe even someone's fancy.

It's really admirable It's really admirable when a girl can speak her mind and take control. During arguments or petty fights with your boyfriend, when he asks you, "What's wrong?" he really wants you to speak up—so please have mercy on the guy and spare him the silent treatment. Guys can be accused of not listening. Sometimes, though, it's because we really don't have anything to listen to.

Beyond the Blah, Blah, Blah
Guys are beginning to realize that girl power is a very real phenomenon. Now, more than ever, guys are pressured to stay on top of things and not be outdone by girls. But I have to tell you—guys enjoy talking to smart girls. Don't be afraid to hurt our egos by dominating the conversation with stuff you know. We like that. A quick warning, though, don't overdo it lest you make us feel too dumb and unconsciously create friction. The point is simply this: if you know what you're talking about, then go right ahead. We promise to listen, and be awed in the process.

Got to Save the World
Too many people lament over the nothingness of their schedules or their loss of identity as school and relationships take over their life. In reality, there are just so many things to do out there. Things that can help in your personal growth... and in the process, help you earn admiration from your peers.

You know you've got it all wrong when your world revolves around only one person (e.g., your boyfriend). You're missing out on countless other possibilities for growth. You're on the road to dependency, which really doesn't do much for your coping skills in case the road ends for both of you. Go out and make yourself useful—plant a tree, volunteer to poll watch, or join an org. The rewards go beyond compliments and a dazzling resumé; you also discover the priceless reward of self-growth.