I think men want to be taken seriously, but they also want to _earn_ the respect and want to actually deserve it. They want to keep getting cooler, keep accomplishing more. They don't want life to stop being exciting. They want a mother but they DON'T, too. They're conflicted.
Many men look for the physical side of a relationship. Whereas a women will look more for the emotional side of a relationship. It is more often times women are more ready to commit then men.
I think to generalize all men is impossible. Some are looking for a long term commitment, some short term, some just looking for sex, others just looking for friendships, it all differs from man to man.
Men look in for understanding towards his needs, love for all his aspects, a lady who accepts him as he is. Also, she should be caring and ready to compromise on various things to make the relationship successful.