1. Commitment and Long-Term Compatibility

• Wife Material: Often seen as someone who shares life goals, values, and a vision for the future. This quality makes her an ideal partner for a long-term commitment, as she is seen as dependable and ready to invest in building a stable life together.
• Girlfriend Material: While still supportive and caring, a girlfriend might not be seen as someone who shares all life goals, or she may not be ready for serious, long-term commitments.

2. Emotional Maturity and Stability

• Wife Material: Emotional maturity is a trait that people frequently associate with "wife material." This includes an ability to handle challenges calmly, communicate effectively, and work toward resolving conflicts, which are all key in long-term partnerships.
• Girlfriend Material: While many girlfriends are emotionally mature, some may still be in stages of personal growth or may prioritize individual goals over relationship goals​.

3. Supportive in Personal Growth

• Wife Material: Typically perceived as someone who actively supports her partner’s goals and personal growth. She invests in helping her partner become the best version of themselves.
• Girlfriend Material: A girlfriend may also be supportive, but this support might not be as invested or involve the same level of commitment and involvement in each other’s future.

4. Prioritization of the Relationship

• Wife Material: Often prioritizes the relationship as a fundamental part of her life, balancing her individuality with the needs of the partnership. She’s likely to make decisions with the relationship in mind.
• Girlfriend Material: Might prioritize personal pursuits or social life over the relationship more frequently, which can be common and appropriate depending on the stage of life.

5. Domestic Partnership Qualities

• Wife Material: Often associated with qualities of partnership in daily life, such as shared responsibilities, cooperation, and support in building a home or family (if desired by both partners).
• Girlfriend Material: Though supportive, a girlfriend may be less involved in the practical or domestic aspects of daily partnership, as the relationship may not yet be at that stage.

These qualities aren't fixed or universally applicable; people value different traits at different stages of life and relationships.