A long time ago I made a list of traits I was looking for in a partner. It made me really think about what I valued and what I didn't care very much about. It was actually more like a grid with "optimal," "good," and "bare minimum" criteria. It was a helpful exercise for me and, like ruh roh said, it honed my attention to look for particular things in people. It was also pretty amusing when I was getting to know my now-spouse and found out that she had her own written list that was not dissimilar from mine!