Valentine's Special: What singles look for in a partner

Singles reveal what they look for in a life partner and also how they'll be spending Valentine's Day. Photo: Freepik

Valentine’s Day may be typically regarded as a day for couples. But StarLifestyle has asked single Malaysians what they want in a partner and how they will be spending the occasion.

What I look for in a life partner is someone who is independent and able to hold her own. I prefer someone who is not high-maintenance because I believe that a relationship is a partnership and a couple should complement each other – have similar interests and also compatible personalities, must be able to communicate on the same wavelength and of course, there must be chemistry.

My type? I think Japanese girls are cute... (laughs)... but seriously, I guess fair complexion, slim, petite – not the athletic type.

Valentine’s Day is on Monday and since I’m single, it’s just like any other day but I’m ok with that.

~ L. Wai Kit, 26, Salesperson

For many singles, Valentine's Day is like any other day, Photo: Filepic

He must be responsible and mature, trustworthy and hardworking.

What is my type? I’m a simple person who enjoys watching movies, going for walks in the park, and just spending time together. So someone who enjoys similar things as me. If you’re referring to physically, I prefer guys who are taller than me because it makes me feel protected.

This Valentine’s Day, my bunch of friends are having a small dinner and hang out session after work.

~ Nur Alina, 22, Graphic designer

Some singles will hang out with their friends on Valentine's Day. Photo: Freepik

What I look for is someone who has a good character, is kindhearted. I think that you can tell a lot about a person by observing how they treat others, especially strangers – such as the waiter at the restaurant or even the cashier at the supermarket.

Someone who is natural and comfortable in her own skin and can be herself. Someone who isn’t materialistic but homey, can cook. Physically? Long hair and slightly chubby but not obese.

This Valentine’s day I’ll be at the pub with my buddies – those who are single just like me.

~ S. Sivanathan, 38, Lawyer

Some singles will be spending the day working since it's a Monday. Photo: Filepic

The guy must be on the same wavelength as me and able to communicate well. He doesn’t have to be rich but I would look for someone who is hardworking, responsible and trustworthy. And not possessive because I’m independent and a free-spirit, so he has to allow me to be myself and to pursue my dreams. It would be nice if he also likes animals – just like me.

Do I prefer the athletic, creative or nerdy type? That’s difficult to say because you won’t know until it happens. But probably the creative or nerdy type.

Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year so I think I will still be at work.

~ Selina P, 24, IT executive

For most singles, communication and being on the same wavelength is important. Photo: Filepic

To me, the most important thing is there must be mutual liking and attraction. Love is something that can’t be forced. I’ve had well-meaning relatives and friends try to set me up with girls, but either the chemistry is there or it isn’t.

I prefer the girl to be mature and able to give and take, not the type that expects the guy to do everything for her because that would be annoying. If a guy loves a girl, they probably would but in this era, that’s just not so practical.

I can’t say that I’ve a particular ‘type’. Sometimes you have this pre-conceived idea but when you fall in love, it might be the opposite of what you expected because love is blind. But I tend to be attracted to tall girls because I’m tall – can see eye-to-eye (laughs)

This Valentine’s Day, I took the day off because during the long weekend, I’m going back to my hometown to visit my parents and probably bring them out for a family dinner.

~ James L, 31, Logistics executive