Thursday, November 1, 2007

10 Emotionally Intelligent Questions to Ask Before You Marry

"10 Emotionally Intelligent Questions to Ask Before Your Marry Someone."by Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach1. Is it just sexual attraction?Sexual attraction comes from the reptilian brain and is automatic and powerful because it relates to our survival. It's not always a basis for living with someone happily. Don't let it "hijack" you. Find out what else is there. 2. Do they like to touch and be touched?This is important to your mental and physical health. 3. Do they look at your with affection and kindness?Most communication is nonverbal. 4. Have you used your thinking brain? EQ means using all 3 brains. Are you compatible in your daily habits? You'll be keeping house together. Do you have the same values and priorities?5. Does he or she have emotional self-awareness? How are they at empathy?One of the most predictive traits for compatibility is if you can sense the other's sadness. 6. How optimistic is this person ? Optimism is the facilitator of all the EQ competencies. In addition, optimists live longer, enjoy better health, and accomplish more. 7. Are they intentional?Intentionality, an EQ competency, is saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Also being accountable for the motives behind your actions. If you have commitment to the relationship, i.e., nobody's going to go away, you'll work through problems differently.8. How resilient are they? How do they manage adverse events and setbacks? Have they been able to grow through adversity, not just go through it?9. How do you and your partner manage anger?Successful couples soothe one another instead of agitating and escalating.10. How balanced is their life? Resilient people combine learning, work and leisure throughout their lifetime.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ©Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach. Take The EQ Foundation Course©, and start learning today. www.susandunn.cc/courses.htm and mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine.

Hidden in Plain Sight: How to Attract What You Want in Life

You can't fool Mother Nature. But she sure can fool you. What a beauty she is -- wowing us with her spacious skies and purple mountains majesty, and taunting us with her tantalizing tapestries of flora, fauna and frolicking creatures. From the spine-tingling glacial lakes of Alaska to the heart-warming mystical canyons of Arizona, I've experienced some of her best creations. Nature and I have been very intimate. I felt I knew her secrets. Boy, was I wrong!
I admit, I only wanted her for her looks and the way she makes me feel. It never occurred to me that Mother Nature has a deeper, more compassionate, protective side. I ignored her whispers that she has gifts for me -- treasures more valuable than gold. And I was blind to the clues she scattered on my path.
In my youth, if Mother Nature told me her wild birds could guide me back to a lost path, I'd have felt she was nutty as a squirrel. Knowing that I wouldn't listen to her, she sent a skilled sage to get her message through my thick skull. The Native American medicine man asked a simple question: "Did you know that rattlesnakes only bite "civilized" people and leave tribal people alone?" I felt the "crazy" shaman had a few rattles loose in his brain. But his words were intriguing. "How could that be?" I wondered. "Why would a snake choose to bite some people and leave others alone?" His preposterous claim haunted me.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, this bold assertion propelled my life into a new direction that would take me off my known map into uncharted territory. Mother Nature was luring me in. I was the cat. She was the nip. She was determined to get my attention!
A Helpful Hawk
My first clue to the guiding, caring aspect of Mother Nature occurred when a bird led me back to a hiking trail I'd lost. I'd gotten about 50 yards off the path, heading in the wrong direction. Suddenly a bird screeched. Looking up, I spotted a low-flying hawk circling intently over a particular spot. An investigation was in order. When I arrived at the spot he was focused on, he flew off. Wow! I found myself standing smack in the middle of the lost trail! My winged friend had delivered me back to my path.
Dancing with Danger
Mother Nature had just begun to rearrange my understanding about the inner workings of the natural world. She arranged for me to experience safety in situations that are usually hazardous for humans. To protect their offspring, wild boar usually attack people who intrude into their space. When I surprised a family of 40 wild boar with babies and they were more curious than hostile toward me. A poisonous scorpion crawled harmlessly over my foot without showing any inclination to sting. During a lengthy close encounter of the wily kind, a pack of coyotes sniffed me, checked me out thoroughly, and then went nonchalantly on their way. And I stomped my foot within an inch of a nesting rattlesnake -- without triggering a bite or even a rattle. Now I have the confidence to walk -- and even sit -- peacefully within a couple feet of resting rattlesnakes.
Ah, Mother Nature and my "crazy" medicine man -- their ingenious game plan was bearing fruit. The clues I was picking up from my uncharted journey were beginning to form a fresh picture about how life really works. I could now see that situations that appear dangerous are not always the case. What other surprises did Mother Nature have in store for me?
The Magical Mystery Tour
Hidden in plain sight is a magical space about which native tribes sing -- and "crazy" shamans teach. This place is real, physical and tangible. The core nature of this space explains why birds guide you back to your path and snakes bite some people and not others. It's a world of vibrational energy and attraction. To enter this new land, we need only to truly "see" what's right in front of us.
Are you ready for an extraordinary journey of discovery and adventure?
Bugs 'n Bunny
Have you ever been buzzed by a luminescent dragonfly who's trying to get you to notice her? Landing next to you, she waits for you to talk or play with her. After several minutes of intimate conversation, you're ready to go on your merry way, but the persistent bug circles around you, stopping you in your tracks. She perches on the nearest flower, wanting more interaction with you. Why'd she do that?
Here comes Peter Cottontail hoppin' down the bunny trail. When he spots you, are you so uptight and agitated that he disappears faster than you can say, "Abracadabra?" Or, are you so relaxed and accessible that old Pete hangs around to get a bit closer to you?
What makes the difference between a creature wanting to hang with you, or get away from you? You make the difference.
Pickin' Up Good Vibrations
The Beach Boys sang about it: "Good, good, good, good vibrations ... giving me excitations." Bugs and bunnies feel good around people who give off good vibes. When you are in a state of openness and trust, animals feel open and trusting around you. When you give off fearful or threatening vibes, animals feel fear and either move away or feel threatened and defensive. It's up to you what vibration you put out.
Lady dragonfly enjoyed bathing in your playful energy and came back for more intimate interaction. On his first visit, Mr. Cottontail felt the harsh quality of your energy and disappeared. Later, when you were feeling happy, Pete was ready to do the Bunny Hop with you.
Attracting Love
Our emotional state affects not only our appeal to insects and animals, but also to humans. Other people respond to our vibration in exactly the same way as bugs and bunnies do. The vibe that attracts wild critters is the same vibe that attracts people and circumstances to nurture us -- like being loved or supported. The vibe that attracts a viper to bite us is the same vibe that attracts people and circumstances to "bite" us -- like being rejected or betrayed.
Have you noticed that when you are in great spirits, your conversations with friends are more fun and clear? People want to talk to you in the supermarket line or gather around you at work -- just like Peter Cottontail who wants to hang around and soak up your vibes. Or, are you so upset and irritated that people can't wait to get away from you -- and are looking for an excuse to disappear into a rabbit hole?
Getting the Goodies
When we pay attention, Mother Nature always guides us towards connection, harmony and support. She shows us how our emotional states affect every aspect of our lives. Our vibes determine our safety and success in life.
Mother Nature is still having her way with me -- and I keep coming back for more. I'm grateful she sent the "crazy" medicine man whose intriguing question led me to see the world with fresh eyes and an open heart.
Copyright © 2005 Keith Varnum
About Keith: Keith Varnum shares his practical approach to transformation as an author, radio host and "Dream Workshops" facilitator. Keith helps people get love, money, health and spirit with his free Prosperity Ezine, free Empowerment CD and free Coaching at www.TheDream.com.

Florida Investment Real Estate considerations before buying

Investment Real Estate, First Things FirstConsidering investing in property? What are some pertinent things to consider before taking this leap? Of all the investment possibilities, investment in land generally produces the most positive results. It is vital, however, to carefully investigate the pros and cons, benefits and deficits of real estate investment. Most people look at investment real estate as risky and feel woefully inadequate to tackle this form of investing. They feel lost, not knowing where to even begin! A multitude of information is available and knowing how to search can seem daunting. A web site search will produce boatloads of information, some valuable and some not. Some key words to search are real estate investment, investment property, and investing in real estate. This will begin the process for you. Not all available information is worth your time, however. Beware when the site promises high return for little down. Also beware of sites whose main goal is to solicit your money. Web searching is one form of research. Another is talking to a reputable real estate broker or real estate lawyer. One of the best sources of information is a friend you trust who has done real estate investing. A trustworthy friend who started as a novice and progressed to real investing is probably your best source of reliable information. Their voice of experience rings the loudest since they are a layman like you who had to discover for themselves each step of the way how to make successful investments.Investment Real Estate, Rental UnitsLet’s look at some sound reasons for investing in real estate. Real estate generally appreciates at a greater rate than the rate of inflation and offers great tax benefits. Selecting real estate in a desirable location will prove to be profitable especially in burgeoning areas, usually in suburbs which are a reasonable commute to city jobs. Of course the old adage, location, location, location is a very pertinent piece of advice to take to heart. Think of the most expensive housing markets today. If you have lived in an expensive housing market, or have visited there, you will notice that along with exquisite homes offered for sale at exorbitant rates, small, older homes you would never consider buying in another market are being offered for huge dollars. Why? Location, of course. When a housing area becomes desirable, even those small dumpy homes will sell for a considerable amount of money. Let’s stop for a moment and look at the advantages of investing in rental units as opposed to purchasing property for resale. One of the largest factors to consider in purchasing property for resale is finding properties that will resell at a higher rate than purchase, of course. Finding these properties is not as easy today as it may have been in the past. It used to be that fixer-uppers and foreclosures were avoided by homeowners and investors alike. Not so today, those same homes are being feverishly snatched up in the current booming housing markets. Florida Investment Real Estate – Why Florida Is a Good ChoiceFinding homes to purchase and turn over quickly for cash is becoming more and more difficult, leading many to consider purchasing property for the purpose of renting. What are some advantages to renting and what locations would be most desirable for purchase with a rental goal in mind? Owning rental property provides some unique advantages. If you have the time as well as the finances to invest, rental property could end up paying for itself in the long term. In order for this to be true, the most important thing to search for is property in a great location for renters. You don’t want to be searching for renters for months on end while you are being drained of capital. Those mortgage payments never stop, even when the list of renters has been exhausted. Buying rental investment property in a college town is a good bet for the possibility of continual renters and also buying in transient areas and tourist areas. Of all the above, tourist areas tend to be your surest source of consistent renters. Numerous high density tourist areas exist across the nation, but one of your best bets for purchase and consistent renters would be a sun-drenched spot with a year-round temperate climate. California and Texas would fit the bill, but as we all know, the most desirable locations in California may be out of reach due to the high cost. Texas may be considered a good choice, but only one state ranks as the premier tourist destination in the world and that would be Florida, the sunshine state. Florida Investment Real Estate – The Orlando AreaWith Florida’s burgeoning population, Florida investment real estate is a great option. Florida ranks 4th in population behind California, Texas and New York. Florida has one of the fastest rates of growth in the nation, making Florida investment real estate a very attractive option for investors. In the 1990’s, Florida grew by 23.5 percent with five counties increasing by more than 60 percent. Projected state growth would bring the population to over 19 million by 2010. An increasingly higher population obviously increases the need for housing. The increasing resident population being a great reason to pursue Florida investment real estate; let’s not neglect another face of increasing housing need. Florida has a tourism rate of almost 77 million visitors in 2004, making it the top travel destination in the world and producing $57 billion of income. Tourists flock to all parts of Florida, the beaches being one of the most attractive destinations. However, Orlando pulls in the most visitors, with 2.6 million international travelers, not including the steady stream of domestic tourists. This alone would offer sufficient reason to purchase rental property. But considering that the grand total of tourists visiting Orlando in 2004 was 48 million people, what great housing investment potential for investors! The biggest drawing card in the Orlando area is, of course, Walt Disney World. The area surrounding Disney has a hotel rate occupancy of about 80 percent. It’s obvious why the Orlando area is considered one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.Florida Investment Real Estate – What are Reasons Tourists Come to the Orlando AreaOwning Florida investment real estate will give vacationers who visit the Orlando area a place to stay while you collect the rent. Theme park attractions are one of the biggest reasons Orlando has become a #1 tourist destination. The three most popular are Disney, which includes Disney World, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios, Sea World and Universal. Each attraction holds an appeal for people of all ages with families and singles alike enjoying each. Kissimmee is the town closest to Disney where families especially enjoy a few of the more laid back sights including Green Meadows Farm. Green Meadows is in an idyllic country setting with tours of the farm and more than 300 farm animals to touch and see. Also in the Kissimmee area is Horse World Riding Stables. The 750 acres of open pasture beckons horse lovers to enjoy a ride beneath the open sky. The Orlando Science Center beckons science buffs both young and old. Learning happens as a by-product here through the realistic, interactive and just plain fun exhibits. Fabulous night life is to be found both in Kissimmee which boasts two very popular dinner attractions, Medieval Times and Arabian Nights. Both serve delectable large portions of food with fabulous jousting and medieval type entertainment. For the shopper, Shopping and dining abound in the Orlando area also as do all sorts of natural environmental experiences. Real Estate Investment in Florida – Bimini Bay Resort FloridaA well-kept secret but one located just 5 miles from Disney, in the center of Florida is Davenport, a treasure of a town close to the major attractions, yet a world away. On 80 acres of land in the Davenport area, you will find Bimini Bay Resort, Florida. A grand investment opportunity awaits you at Bimini Bay Resort, Florida where the investor participates in property appreciation but is not affected by negative cash flow during the off season. At Bimini Bay Resort, Florida you will find a planned community of luxurious town homes, offering 3 bedroom two baths that are fully furnished and equipped. Bimini Bay Resort, Florida is unique in that the investor can stay in the purchased unit while on vacation for a minimum fee while renting the unit the rest of the year. Management staff at Bimini Bay Resort finds the renters while you enjoy a guaranteed rental income each month. Planned amenities at Bimini Bay Resort include two major restaurants, a grocery, deli and food court and a sports bar restaurant. Bimini Bay Resort will also include a spa and exercise facility. A large business conference center and twin theaters are also planned at Bimini Bay Resort. Peace of mind will be yours at Bimini Bay Resort with its gated access with security cards. A fantastic real estate investment in Florida at Bimini Bay Resort awaits the investor who desires a consistent income without the headaches of day-to-day management. Bimini Bay Resort is worth investigating.Our Featured Orlando Properties: You have an opportunity to join one of the fastest growing trends in the United States and the world. Orlando is one of the most explosive markets in the country and the Disney resort area has an average hotel occupancy of around 80%. Orlando is known as the vacation capital of the world and the top rated short term rental market, one that shows tremendous potential for real investors.Tourism - with 76.8 million visitors in 2004 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida’s economy. Click here for additional tourism facts and statistics. City Population Rank (2000):(Rounded to the Nearest Thousand) 1.Jacksonville - 736,000 2.Miami - 362,000 3.Tampa - 303,000 4.St. Petersburg - 248,000 5.Hialeah - 226,000 6.Orlando - 186,000 7.Ft. Lauderdale - 152,000 8.Tallahassee - 151,000 9.Hollywood - 139,000 10.Pembroke Pines - 137,000 11.Coral Springs - 118,000 12.Clearwater - 109,000 13.Cape Coral - 102,000 14.Gainesville - 95,000 15.Port St. Lucie - 89,000 16.Miami Beach - 88,000 17.Sunrise - 86,000 18.Plantation - 83,000 19.West Palm Beach - 82,000 20.Palm Bay - 79,000 21.Lakeland - 78,000 Most Populous Metro Areas (2000):(Rounded to the Nearest Thousand) 1.Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater - 2,396,000 2.Miami - 2,253,000 3.Orlando - 1,645,000 4.Ft. Lauderdale - 1,623,000 5.Jacksonville - 1,100,000 6.West Palm Beach/Boca Raton - 1,131,000 7.Sarasota/Bradenton - 590,000 8.Daytona Beach - 493,000 9.Lakeland/Winter Haven - 484,000 10.Melbourne/Titusville/Palm Bay - 476,000 11.Fort Myers/Cape Coral - 441,000 Home to 11 of the country's 100 fastest-growing counties, a Florida investment property has high potential as a profit-maker, unlike most other areas. Port St. Lucie, Miramar and Cape Coral are the fastest growing cities in Florida. It’s unlikely you will make a mistake investing in Florida real estate considering the vast number of tourists and new residents flocking to the land of sun and surf. The most difficult decision to make will be which location in Florida to to the bureau's figures, the number of South American visitors have dropped substantially in recent years, from 659,000 in 2000 to fewer than 300,000 last year.Other signs point to a recent upswing in international traffic, however. Orlando International Airport officials said in June that the airport recorded a 20 percent increase in international passengers compared with the same month last year.On International Drive, a tourism corridor that benefits heavily from overseas travelers, merchants are noticing the difference."It's maybe picked up," said Zach Marino, manager of Texas de Brazil restaurant on International Drive. "In this area it's hard to tell because this is the spot to be. We have a strong international clientele."Asian visitors increased by nearly 40,000 in 2004, and about 100,000 more Canadians traveled to Orlando last year than in 2003.The visitors bureau noted that it has stepped up its national and international marketing of Orlando, having pulled back on such advertisements after 9-11."Our plan is more back-to-normal in terms of marketing thrust," Peeper said.New York remained the No. 1 source of domestic out-of-state vacationers to Orlando last year. Experts are predicting that 2005 will exceed last year in terms of both international and domestic visitors.Earlier this month, Walt Disney World reported percentage growth in the low double digits among international tourists, while the number of domestic customers remained relatively flat during one of the rainiest Junes on record.
About the Author
Florida investment real estate expert

Buying a Florida Investment Property

Purchasing Florida Investment PropertyConsidering researching the purchase of Florida Investment Property? Do you find yourself wishing you didn’t have that lawn to mow and the constant upkeep on a home? Purchasing Florida Investment Property can relieve you of all those household chores but purchasing a Florida Investment Property but requires you do some homework. You need to know what you are looking for in Florida Investment Property. Some important things to consider in Florida Investment Property are: size, price, location and future salability. Are you looking for the best price on an economy unit, or do you desire luxury Florida Investment Property with more to offer. Prices on Florida Investment Property will vastly vary depending on size, location and other amenities provided. Remember to keep the main thing, the main thing when purchasing Florida Investment Property: location, location, location. This is the most likely factor in determining whether your purchase of Florida Investment Property will escalate in value. A Florida Investment Property location near banks, shopping, restaurants and cultural venues in a growing real estate sales area will probably mean home values will continue to escalate. The market can always be volatile but purchasing Florida Investment Property in areas such as this will give you a greater chance of profitable resale value. Purchasing Florida Investment Property in High Traffic AreasAre you looking for Florida Investment Property as your primary residence or are you considering purchasing Florida Investment Property as a source of providing rental income? Or is your goal to purchase Florida Investment Property that can be used for family vacations, giving you the benefit of anytime availability without the hassle of searching for last minute specials on low cost holiday lodging. Owning Florida Investment Property can provide you with the security of owning your own vacation villa. Purchasing Florida Investment Property in high traffic tourist areas will also give you the benefit of renting to help off-set the cost of your purchase. Many profitable rental locations exist with one of the hottest areas being the Orlando, Florida area. Orlando is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations due to its proximity to Walt Disney World and the major area theme parks, Sea World and Universal. Owning Florida Investment Property in the Kissimmee, Florida, Orlando, Florida or Davenport, Florida area will provide rentals with the closest lodging locations near the major theme park attractions. Owning Florida Investment Property Close to the Major AttractionsKissimmee is closest to Disney World, the number one Central Florida tourist destination. Besides Disneyworld, don’t overlook other area attractions near Kissimmee that are also a boost to owning a rental accommodation in this area. A family with kids will have loads to do when booking rental accommodations in Kissimmee. Green Meadows Petting Farm transports you to the country where more than 300 farm animals are on display to touch and see. Other farm activities are also scheduled at this country adventure land. For the horse lover, Horse World is what you’ve been dreaming of! 750 acres are yours to explore with nothing above you but blue sky and nothing below but the creaking of the saddle. Along with horse riding, Horse World also allows you to relax with a good old fashioned game of horse shoes, volleyball, or basketball. Reservations are suggested. A trip to Kissimmee would not be complete without a visit to the Silver Spurs Arena where rodeos are held every Friday night at 8:00pm. Opening in October of 2005, the Silver Spurs Arena has a capacity of 8,300 with 12 luxury skyboxes in an indoor arena hosting concerts, sporting events and more. Along with these old Florida attractions, you won’t want to miss the Arabian Nights dinner theater which was voted best dinner show by Orlando Sentinel readers. Step back into medieval times where an Arabian fairytale is played out before your eyes on horseback. Along with the amazing entertainment, you will feast on an elegant three course meal. Kissimmee is loaded with amazing hidden surprises.Owning Florida investment properties in the Orlando AreaOwning real estate resort condominiums in the Orlando area will provide you and your renters with access to all the theme parks around Central Florida plus the hundreds of discount attractions in or near Orlando. Orlando’s nickname is The Beautiful City”. It more than lives up to its name with its towers of gleaming glass metal skyscrapers set between sparkling lakes. Orlando is also all about historic preservation also. You will find charming brick streets and many gardens and parks. Cultural attractions near Orlando Florida investment Properties include the Morse Museum of American Art where a permanent display of Tiffany glass is on exhibit along with American paintings from the 19th century. The Orlando Museum of Art features American portraits and landscaping, art of the ancient Americas and American impressionist works. Looking for a garden oasis far removed from the hectic tourist pace? Try Leu Gardens, an oasis covering 50 acres featuring annuals, palms and an orchid house. These fine cultural experiences will seem like cheap deals for their reasonable price.Florida investment properties – Other Fine AttractionsThe list goes on and on. After spending a fortune at the major attractions, you will appreciate finding low cost but fun entertainment near your Florida investment Properties. A trip to Florida would not be complete without a visit to Gatorland. The name says it all, as this 70 acre park is home to thousands of gators and some crocodiles. Breeding pens and nurseries are available to view, containing critters of all sizes. Don’t miss gator feeding time when you will get a close up view of gators in a feeding frenzy. This family owned park also has a mini water park for children, a petting zoo and a 2000 foot boardwalk which winds its way through a cypress swamp. Looking for the “au naturale” wild side of Florida? Wekiwa Springs pumps 42 million gallons of sparkling clear water a day. Canoeing, swimming, picnicking and fishing are popular outdoor activities. You are also likely to spot a gator in the wild, along with other wildlife native to Florida. For information on these and other local Orlando attractions and to check out the lowest price see www.orlandoinfo.com. Renting Florida investment Properties Owning Florida investment Properties may be a great option for those with the funds but maybe all you want to do is find discount lodging for a Florida dream vacation. There are many options for renting Florida investment Properties. Kissimmee and Orlando are great choices for location of your rental villa. Check out this web source for more information on lodging: www.orlandotouristinformationbureau.com. Looking for a time share resort rental? Redweek.com lists time share rentals with price and availability listed on site. Maybe your idea of a dream Florida vacation is staying in a quieter area, somewhat removed from the mainstream of the tourist hubbub. Staying in Davenport, Florida offers that quiet respite. Davenport may seem like its miles removed from the mainstream but it is only 5 miles southwest of Disney making it a close commute to the major attractions. One choice in Davenport is Island Hideaway Resort offering 2 and 3 bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchen. Other amenities include: outdoor pools, children’s play room, poolside bar and grill and recreation center. Another great choice is the Island Club Resort and Spa. With its variety of discount deals, you are sure to find what you are looking for here. Everything from an economy size villa to a 5 bedroom vacation villa can be found here. Along with low cost lodging, you will also find resort amenities which include a large adult pool and kiddie pool, volleyball, basketball and tennis court, massage and fitness room and on-site store. Lisa Carsonwww.biminibayresortinvestment.comlcarson@biminibayresortinvestment.com

Women and Bad Boys: What Is The Attraction

If you're a woman, you may be saying "hmmm" as you hear these words. You know you shouldn't, but you just can't help yourself.
There is just SOMETHING about these guys that draws you in, even as your head tells you to "beware"!
So, what exactly is the attraction? It's not necessarily that they are more physically attractive or smarter or more successful than the "nice guys". In fact, they can have fewer of these qualities, yet be harder to resist.
So what is it? Let's begin by defining these guys. This term is generally applied to males who treat women poorly. Do these behaviors ring a bell?
*calling at 8:30 on a Saturday night to ask if you want to get together
*not showing up for a date- followed by no phone call or apology
*never having any money when you are out
* forgetting or ignoring your birthday and other important dates
*flirting openly with other women when you are together
*hitting on your good friend(s)
*making booty calls at 1am, after they've had a night out with others
*is doing time for a serious felony
Instead of asking "what is it about these guys"; let's instead examine what it is about the women who can't resist them. The following are actual statements from women who have a history of attraction to these guys. See if any of these sound familiar.
* "It's never BORING with him. He's unpredictable and exciting."
* "He's strong, aggressive and self-assured; I feel safe with him."
* "It's not his fault; he's trying to get his life together."
* "I haven't met anyone else that makes me feel the way he does."
* "He's so charming and passionate."
* "He tells me how much he likes me, so he must really feel something for me."
* "He needs me."
* "He doesn't come across as needy and desperate."
* "I can't believe I've attracted someone like him."
Now, on the face of these, they seem pretty benign. We all seek at least some of these traits in the men we choose. So, where's the problem?
Essentially it's in his inability to meet the woman's fundamental needs. She is the one doing all (or most) of the giving. The question then lies in; "what's in it for her?"
The answer can be found by exploring three basic issues:
*level of self-esteem
*capacity for intimacy
*roles that she has been in throughout her life
If a woman feels good about herself, she chooses a mate who communicates both verbally and non-verbally to her that she is valued and respected. She won't allow this other person to undermine her positive self-worth. She believes in her ability to participate in a healthy, reciprocal relationship.
If she doesn't feel good about herself, she chooses someone who reinforces her negative self-beliefs.
If a woman is capable of true intimacy, she is open to the true availability of the other person. She wants him to be a full and active participant in the relationship. She can allow herself to be open, vulnerable and able to take as well as to receive all that true intimacy offers.
If intimacy is difficult, she choose someone who is distant, hard to connect with and not emotionally and/or physically available.
If a woman has had a healthy role in her relationships since childhood, she will choose someone with whom she can continue this healthy interaction.
If a woman has been too long in the role of rescuer, caregiver or the one who sacrifices for the good of others, this will probably be the role she will seek out in her relationships.
Fortunately, most women fall somewhere in between on these issues. So the task is to evaluate yourself in each area and decide on a course of action that will help you to choose a "nice guy", who stirs your senses and meets your needs while being truly available for a real relationship.
Begin with an assessment of what you value most in life and cannot live without.
Go to http://www.consum-mate.com/newslets/02oct.htm for an article on "clarifying and living your values".
Once you know what is most important to you and believe that you are worthy of achieving it, you will have taken a giant step towards finding the right partner for you.
Toni Coleman, MSW is a licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach with over 20 years of experience. As a recognized expert, Toni has been quoted in many local and national publications including: The Chicago Tribune and The Orlando Sentinel newspapers and Family Circle, Woman's Day, and Star magazines. She has been featured on ABC News; Discovery Health Channel and AOL Online. As a weekly contributing commentator on the KTRS Radio Morning Show, (St. Louis, MO), Toni offers dating tips and relationship advice in response to listener feedback. Toni founded Consum-mate.com in 2002 to offer singles the knowledge and tools they need to find and sustain healthy, lasting love relationships. She is a member of The International Coach Federation, and The International Association Of Coaches.