Q&A: Considerations in Choosing a Partner
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Considerations in Choosing a Partner
Question
Hello Rabbi Abraham,
Regarding matchmaking and choosing a partner, in your opinion is it legitimate to set high minimum standards for a partner intellectually? Or perhaps because women’s way of thinking is different from men’s, that expectation is not all that realistic? And in general, is the intellectual level of one’s partner a significant factor in the success of the relationship?
Answer
I have no idea. Each person has his own tastes and inclinations. Indeed, from my experience women are less interested in philosophical and abstract questions, but that does not necessarily mean their intellectual ability is lower. Their areas of interest are different. See my reply to Ayala in column number 16 (almost at the bottom of the page).