Most men find the opposite sex very mysterious. Guys are usually confused about what a typical woman can offer them, and they rarely think about what they truly want. It would definitely help if men tried to understand women by starting with the answer to, "What do men really want from women?"

When most men are asked, "What do men look for in a woman?" the answers vary immensely, from stock answers to other responses that are a little more discerning. The majority of men, however, all want the same thing from a woman, it's just the packaging that varies.

The most important thing men look for is that spark of chemistry. Although no one seems to know what causes chemistry, most men still know when it's there. That is, however, what makes men move from relationship to relationship searching for the perfect level of the elusive chemistry factor.

Internet dating sites like eHarmony and Match.com use the search for chemistry as a selling point for their services. Through their screening process, these types of sites believe they can make this basic connection for people. Although they have had some successes, more often questionnaires cannot really determine what two people will fit together, and very often, these sites end up pairing two very opposite people.

So what do men really want from a woman? Confidence is a highly sought after attribute, but not arrogance. While it is attractive for a woman to be sure of herself regarding looks and intellect, thinking all men are going to fall at her feet is taking things too far. Men will actually be turned off from, rather than attracted to, a woman with a high level of cockiness and conceit.

Although men do like a confident woman, they also want one with a brain. Men are finally figuring out that a pretty face cannot substitute for a lack of intelligence. Only a woman with beauty and brains is really able to keep a relationship flourishing instead of floundering.

It must be said that men who are trying to figure out what they want in a woman always bring up the fact that she should be a good lover. That means many men are looking for women who have had many experiences that have helped them grow in this area. Older women, therefore, are more highly sought after than had previously been the case, underscoring the fact that being drop dead gorgeous is not necessarily a prerequisite to the modern man.

There are many more things that can be discussed when attempting to answer this burning question, but the most important things men look for are independence, confidence, and as cliché as it sounds, a good sense of humor. A strong, confident woman will always make a good impression, and that is what men are really looking for in a date and in a relationship.