Basic standards

[HeyItsMeImTheProblem]

Hello all.

It has come to my attention that I've been settling for men that provide way below what other would accept as the basic standard in a partner.

If you are happily married / in a long term ans happy relationship please tell me what your DH/DP does as the bare minimum for you that makes you stay with them.

Listens to me
comforts me
advised me
offers financial assistance
takes care of me when I’m sick
gives affection
cooks for me
gives me thoughtful gifts
entertains me
makes me laugh
gentle
doesn't criticise me
thinks the best of me
fixes things
good at DIY
is patient
has a decent job
can provide a secure home

He loves me. And I love him (it should all be reciprocal). There’s respect, affection and genuine care which goes both ways.

And when one of us has had a hard day at work we know how to ease each others burden (little things like making a cuppa or pouring a glass of wine and running them a bath - again, something we do for each other).

Not so much what he does for me though he does a lot. More who he is - laid back, kind, generous, very intelligent, lovely sense of humour. Things he does include working for us both when I could not work and contribute, and never complained, being a good cook and making our dinner at least half the time, doing the tyres and screen wash on my car, planning trips especially for my birthday, and lots of other good things, encouraging me to do nice things for myself and treat myself, telling me I am brilliant, celebrating my successes, being super generous and kind to my DM when she was old. He is a star and I am so blessed.
Rate yourself OP and that will attract the right kind of man to you.

Reading these I really think I settled for a lot less with my STBEXH. I think I felt like I wouldn't find better so accepted lower standards than I maybe would have if I had more self worth etc.