This one is a fun blog post challenge topic from 
- Great Listener-This doesn't mean my partner is silent. This means she contributes as much as she listens for understanding. I enjoy having someone who understands me and whom I can understand and relate. I am most at home when my wife and I are in the zone together, where outside distractions don't matter because the distractions aren't worth as much as the moment we are both in.
- Reciprocation of Love-An essential quality in a lifelong partner is a return of the love you dish out. One of the most fascinating things in life is when you find someone who loves you back at the level you love them...and I mean in a great way, not a "I don't care who you are way" that level of reciprocation occurs on the daily with perfect strangers...haha...There are several levels to love beyond just the physical, but an essential quality is to have a partner who can connect with that loving passion in many areas, if not all of them-physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc.
- Autonomy-I think it is essential that you can depend on your partner as needed...that they are able to take care of themselves as much as you should be able to take care of yourself. This ability to be independent doesn't mean they act independently all the time, as being dependent on each other builds connection, but it means that they are capable and confident in their own skin to tackle the woes of life in their own way without needing another. The hard part is being autonomous and still inviting others to be part of your life, because they're wanted.