What are the most important characteristics to consider when choosing a significant other?

And do the characteristics change if you’re looking for something long term vs. something permanent?

I think what I’m really curious about is: from the perspective of people who have had an awful lot of experience with life, was there anything you wish you’d considered about the people you chose to be with that you didn’t think of at the time?

Is it most important to have someone who’s clever, who’s kind, who’s thoughtful, who’s attractive, who’s devoted, with whom you have an immediate connection, with whom you have a growing connection, something else?