Women have revealed the qualities they look for in a potential partner - and it seems that the quintessential alpha male is out of fashion.

The revelations were made in a Reddit thread asking women to name the 'hard to find' quality they're attracted to, and a large proportion of the 800 replies revealed that a man who is in touch with his feminine side is top of the list.

Others chimed in to mention traits such as 'quiet confidence' and intelligence, while being willing to wait before having sex for the first time is also a desirable trait.

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Hundreds of women took to Reddit to reveal 'rare' qualities they look for in men but many revealed they prefer men who are not afraid to show femininity

One user Scarletwitch1986 revealed she is turned off by the idea of dominant men.

'I see too many men trying to be alpha males. This is the quickest way to tune me out,' she said.

'I'm more interested in the men that aren't concerned with displays of dominance or posturing. I like to think I'm the female equivalent.'

And she certainly wasn't alone with Bleachviolet saying she wanted to meet a straight guy who is not afraid to be 'a little flamboyant' while another saying she loves a guy who, 'isn't afraid to be a little effeminate'.

Women chimed in to express their attraction to men who are not afraid to be 'flamboyant' or to be 'girly'

One user agreed, saying a man who doesn't consider being 'girly' to be an insult would suit her just fine.

In addition, women also revealed they prefer men who exhibit confidence without being overpowered by the male ego.

'Being intelligent but not pretentious is ideal!' one user explained.

Some women described men who have quick wit, patience and those who are not squeamish about women's periods as being ideal

Other responses ranged from those who wished men weren't as disgusted by women's periods, while one woman admitted she found it hard to find a man who would 'wait a long while' before having sex.

The discussion prompted men to admit that they would love to reveal their softer side, but have been afraid to do it publicly.

'Seriously, I find it incredibly difficult to find women that allow and support me to embrace my feminine side,' t he happynomad said.

Another man revealed that he loved 'girly' activities after growing up with four girls and that it always surprises his girlfriend.