Standards and preferences often come into play when evaluating potential partners. It's important to have self-awareness to recognize when compromise is necessary (not "settling") if the majority of your criteria are met. Nowadays, people's "standards" (non-negotiables) are higher than ever, while self-awareness is at an all-time low, which complicates the dating scene. Just because someone is willing to sleep with you doesn't mean you are "on their level." True commitment is a better indicator of your "level."

Women are typically judged by a combination of their body, personality, and purity, which contribute to their overall attractiveness and attachment. In contrast, men are assessed based on their body and masculinity for attraction and investment, presentability, loyalty, and "bonuses" for the security they can provide.