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3. Local Police Officer or Detective:While this might seem a bit on the nose, it offers a direct link to official investigations and can provide a realistic way for your protagonist to gain access to crime scenes or confidential information. The dynamic between a civilian sleuth and a law enforcement officer can also add tension and depth to the relationship.

4. Journalist or Crime Reporter:They’re always on the hunt for the truth and have a knack for digging deeper. This profession allows them to be naturally curious and often gives them a broad network of contacts and sources, which could prove useful in solving mysteries. Their quest for a good story could align with the protagonist’s pursuit of justice.

5. Chef or Restaurateur:Food brings people together, and a setting around a restaurant or bakery offers a cozy backdrop for romance and mystery. A chef could have a unique perspective on the local community, access to gossip, and an understanding of the finer things in life, including poisons. Plus, there’s potential for deliciously descriptive passages that can add sensory depth to your stories. Take it from me, a man who can cook well is worth his weight in gold.

6. Doctor:With their access to confidential information, medical expertise, and trust and influence within the community, doctors are an excellent choice. Incorporating a local doctor as the romantic interest is a good choice, offering both logistical support and emotional depth to the protagonist’s endeavors. Plus, the caregiving aspect of their personality can be quite appealing, providing a soft counterpoint to the darker elements of mystery and crime in your stories. Hurt/Comfort anyone? Besides, your protag’s mom always wanted him to marry a doctor.

7. Lawyer:A local lawyer as the romantic interest in a cozy mystery also brings a wealth of potential to the narrative. Their legal insights and access to resources are extremely useful. Also, there’s potential for conflict between their professional responsibilities and their personal involvement in the mystery, especially if their client is a suspect (this is also true of doctors when one of their patients becomes the sleuth’s prime suspect). Lawyers often need to be persuasive and quick-thinking, qualities that can make for a charismatic and appealing character.

Let’s consider some of the character traits we look for in potential (long-term) romantic partners (while keeping in mind that what is considered attractive can vary significantly across different cultures). Most of us in the Western Hemisphere consider the following personality traits to be appealing:

Confidence:Confidence influences how a man or woman carries themself, how they speak, and how they interact with others, contributing to a charismatic presence. Confidence is consistently seen as an attractive trait, as it suggests a sense of self-assurance and competence. Confident people are often perceived as more capable and reliable, but it’s important to distinguish between genuine self-confidence and arrogance.

Sense of Humor:A good sense of humor is highly attractive because it indicates intelligence and the ability to navigate social situations with ease. Humor can lighten difficult moments and put others at ease. The ability to laugh, make others laugh, and not take life too seriously all the time is a universally appealing trait. It’s especially attractive in a character who might otherwise seem a bit remote or hard-nosed.

Kindness and Empathy:Emotional intelligence, the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others, showing compassion and emotional depth, is increasingly recognized as an attractive trait in men as well as women. It allows for meaningful connections and shows a caring nature. The ability to empathize with others, a man’s capacity for understanding and compassion, is especially appealing in characters who initially present as inflexible and uncaring.

Intelligence:Intelligence, both in the traditional sense and in terms of emotional intelligence, is attractive. It suggests a curiosity about the world, a capacity for problem-solving, and the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Intellectual prowess and a sharp mind are attractive qualities. Being knowledgeable, curious, and thoughtful can spark engaging conversations and foster deep connections.

Ambition and Passion:We like people who are driven to be successful and are passionate about their pursuits, whether in career, hobbies, or personal goals. Ambition and passion demonstrate a zest for life that many find appealing. Ambition reflects a desire to grow and achieve. Passion indicates the power to feel deeply and pursue the things that matter. Ambition and a passion for life indicate goals and a desire to achieve them. This drive is often associated with a sense of purpose and determination, which many find appealing.

Physical Fitness:Not as shallow as you might think. Physical attractiveness usually includes fitness, and physical fitness is an attractive trait for most of us, especially when it seems to stem from organic endeavor versus vanity. While societal standards for physical attractiveness vary, taking care of one’s body and valuing health and fitness generally contributes to a man’s appeal. It reflects discipline and self-respect.

Reliability and Responsibility:Being reliable and taking responsibility for one’s actions are attractive traits that indicate maturity and the ability to be a supportive partner in a relationship. Dependability is sometimes portrayed as boring, but being reliable and trustworthy in both small and significant matters is actually a big deal in adult relationships. A dependable partner provides a sense of security and stability, qualities that are often sought after in emotional partnerships.

Respectfulness:Respect for others, including listening and valuing different opinions, is a key trait that contributes to a person’s attractiveness—and bodes well for negotiating the inevitable conflicts of a romantic relationship. It shows a capacity for understanding and co-existing with others harmoniously.

Generosity:Generosity, not just in terms of material things but also with one’s time and attention, is attractive. It suggests a giving nature and a willingness to support others. Acts of kindness and a generous spirit can significantly enhance a man’s attractiveness. Compassion toward others, willingness to help, and showing respect are traits that contribute to a positive and appealing character.

Leadership Abilities:The ability to lead, combined with fairness and the capacity to inspire others, is often seen as attractive. It suggests someone can take charge when necessary but also values the contributions of others.

These traits highlight a combination of characteristics that contribute to a person’s overall attractiveness and emphasize the importance of both inner qualities and outward behaviors. While societal standards and personal preferences can influence what traits are considered most attractive, the qualities listed above tend to be universally valued for their role in fostering healthy, positive relationships and interactions.

While societal norms and expectations can vary widely across different cultures and communities, there are certain traits that are commonly frowned upon in many societies. These negative perceptions often stem from how these traits affect interpersonal relationships, professional environments, and societal well-being.

That said, lightly sprinkling your protag’s significant other with a bit of the following can add natural conflict to a relationship and give your romantic foil room to grow within the series.

Just don’t go overboard. Nobody wants their best friend to date a psycho.

1. Aggressiveness

While assertiveness can be a positive trait, crossing into aggressiveness, especially when it leads to domineering or what might feel like bullying behavior, is generally frowned upon. We want our romantic others to be able to handle disputes and conflicts in a controlled and respectful manner.

2. Emotional Unavailability

This can read as weirdly attractive, especially in the initial chapters of a developing romance. Men are often stereotypically expected to be stoic or to suppress their emotions. However, emotional unavailability can hinder deep, meaningful relationships, and society is increasingly recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in men.

3. Irresponsibility

I’m not sure this trait is going to do anything for your romantic interest. Failing to take responsibility for one’s actions, especially in roles such as parenthood, partnership, and professional obligations, is widely criticized. Society values people who are reliable and accountable.

4. Sexism

It happens, and it can even be slightly amusing in very small doses, especially if your protagonist delivers a timely and loud wake-up call. But attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate gender inequality or disrespect, particularly toward women, are increasingly being called out and condemned in many societies, so go easy. Equality and respect are becoming more central to societal expectations of men.

Also, there’s a big, crucial difference between sexism and misogyny. One is curable. One is terminal.

5. Entitlement