In speaking with my gf, she said she has always gone about dating as with a "checklist approach" (my words, not hers). Essentially, she has a list of criteria, and if a dude matches them she will date them (for a LTR). The interesting bit is that she said it has to be a 10/10 in terms of matching criteria, but could compromise to a 8 or 9 out of 10. This approach to me would imply that regardless of circumstances, if a dude comes around that is 10/10 she would date them, as well as implies that if she was with a dude that she thought was a 8 or 9 out of 10 she would leave for a 10/10 regardless of emotional connection.

My approach is far less structured and is a "feelings based" approach. In that while I do have basic requirements so I don't lose my mind, if I connect with her very well I will date her. So if I had a list and she was only a 4/10 on it, I would still date her if we connected well. This approach also says that circumstances do matter for me as often a circumstance would effect my personality and therefor my connection with someone.

I don't judge her way of doing it, I just found it very interesting her perspective. What does this sub think of our different approaches? Is it worthwhile to have a more utilitarian approach as she does, or more of a subjective approach like mine? What do people follow more?