It took me awhile, but I’ve figured out what I want from a boyfriend. Okay, so I borrowed it from the Boy Scouts, but I was a Boy Scout myself, and I want my boyfriend to have all these qualities.

1. Trustworthy. When he tells me he’s watching a movie with a friend, I don’t want to find out he’s at a bar with his ex! Literally, he should be worthy of my trust.

2. Loyal. He must be faithful. Honest and reliable and pledge his allegiance to making our relationship work.

3. Helpful. He should understand how hard I work and want to help me when I feel I need help — even if it means extra work for him. He should do it out of the goodness of his heart, without me nagging him to death.

4. Friendly. Well, not overly friendly. Except with me! He must be cordial, if not friendly, to people who are important to me.

5. Courteous. He should be considerate and respectful of my feelings (i.e., try to help me get past my insecurities and minor jealousies).

6. Kind. And not just to animals! If I’m wearing an unflattering outfit, he can tell me honestly but diplomatically.

7. Obedient. If I need help and request it, he should at least try to acquiesce.

8. Cheerful. Not a "don’t worry, be happy"-go-lucky kind of guy. I want a boyfriend who can still smile after I’ve forgotten to change the kitty litter for a week!

9. Thrifty. He should be somewhere between leaving an ounce of milk in the carton and putting us into financial ruin with his extravagance.

10. Brave. He must kill all varmints/vermin who threaten my well-being and peace of mind. What I really want is a boyfriend who can face life’s adversities with me.

11. Clean. Men are pigs. He must bathe and change clothes daily.

12. Reverent. He must believe in us, that we can and will be together for a lifetime.

Search for local singles today and look for all of these qualities and more!

William D. Hicks, Match.com