"My former sister-in-law used to live in Seattle. She said she used to think it rained all the time there. She later said she'd never even seen rain until she moved to Houston. If you're not drenched from head-to-toe…"
Making a "Nice Guy" into a "Bad Boy" (but in a "good" way)
In another discussion, a comment was made that seemed to deserve a topic all it's own; here's the direct link to that comment.
The gist of it is that "nice guys" tend to be passive, predictable, and boring, while "bad boys" are spontaneous, unpredictable, and exciting. Debate as we may, women tend to like the bad boys, largely for these reasons. Not because they're "bad," per se, but because they bring excitement and intrigue. I believe those are traits that ALL men, "nice" and "bad" alike, can embrace and cultivate.
The question I'm posing for discussion is this: How can we "nice guys" mix it up to become more spontaneous and exciting for the women in our lives?
The gist of it is that "nice guys" tend to be passive, predictable, and boring, while "bad boys" are spontaneous, unpredictable, and exciting. Debate as we may, women tend to like the bad boys, largely for these reasons. Not because they're "bad," per se, but because they bring excitement and intrigue. I believe those are traits that ALL men, "nice" and "bad" alike, can embrace and cultivate.
The question I'm posing for discussion is this: How can we "nice guys" mix it up to become more spontaneous and exciting for the women in our lives?
Tags: bad boy, nice guy, spontaneity
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jamie Q on -
To start off the discussion, I'd say that dancing is probably the biggest thing I could personally do to push myself into being more spontaneous.
My wife's a dancer, and she's always been discouraged by my disinterest--no, dread is a better word--when it comes to dancing. I'm a tall, clumsy oaf with huge feet and huge issues with self-consciousness in public; dancing is not a natural outlet for me. I'll play my guitar and sing with the band, but please don't put me on the dance floor.
Well, I think that's the thing I need to work on myself. How about the rest of you?
-
Permalink Reply by Cory on -
I agree with Roberts assertiveness comment below but I have to disagree with your first theory about becoming a bad boy. Dancing, to me, does not seem like the way to go, in fact, it seems like you may be moving in the opposite direction.
You already play the guitar, that alone is pretty B.A.! Maybe you could learn knife fighting or something.
Seriously though, the whole being assertive and standing up for yourself will change how you think about your self. That, in turn, will change how others think about you.
-
Permalink Reply by Jamie Q on
-
I'm not talking about dancing just for me; I'm talking about dancing with my wife because it's something that she loves, and it's something that's been missing from her life since she married me.
I've always stayed away from it because it makes me feel uncomfortable and puts me "out there" for ridicule. I think it would be a step forward for me because I would be looking to my wife's happiness without regard for what other people think of me.
I should also clarify that I'm talking about couples dancing (two-step, jitterbug, etc), not artsy-fartsy ballet or "artistic" dance. Just something to do with my wife that she enjoys deeply.
-
Permalink Reply by Jamie Q on
-
Been there, done that. Mya just got a perfect 30 (even from Len). SEE?!? I even paid attention.
-
Permalink Reply by asa c mcguire on -
funny thing about dancing is if you think you look ridiculous then you do. My wife not me has a problem with this. I dance she doesn't. Oh and for once don't listen to Topher dancing with the stars activates my gag reflex (sorry pal). You play the guitar you know the beat just roll with it and don't worry how awesome you may or may not look just try not to step on her toes.
-
Permalink Reply by Deanna McGuire on -
Yes, Chris is a very good dancer... me?? Not so much. I too have problems with public self-consciousness. Most wouldn't believe it as I have a very confident air.
-
Permalink Reply by Jim Steck on -
I'm by no means a natural when it comes to dancing, but I learned salsa and got fairly decent at it. It improved my life tremendously. Gave me much more confidence in dealing with women I don't know and also helped me be more comfortable physically with them as well. It seems to me that having a basic knowledge of dance is an excellent quality for a man to have.
I'd add that my social life improved dramatically, having met many women and men through this outlet. It's great exercise and a terrific release. I think that while it's admirable that you are doing something to help your wife you should also focus on what rewards you'll get out of it. Once you dive in, you'll find that most people aren't naturals and you can attain a level of proficiency that will enable you to have fun. You don't have to be the best to enjoy yourself and you'll learn to let go of being self conscious, particularly as you realize most people watch the really good dancers and tend to ignore beginners.
I hope you pursue this. Start by finding a good teacher/class.
-
Permalink Reply by Nicholas C. Jostmeyer on -
Yeah, dancing would probably be my issue as well. She loves to, I tell her I'm overtly white, and have been asked by my black friends not to. She simply laughs at that, but I can tell she's a little sad about it.
Well, I took her dancing a few weeks ago. After a few hours (and more gin than I care to admit) she realized my friends were in fact right, and that I should never dance again. Not in public she says at least. After that night, I told her if she wants to go dancing with her girlfriends I wouldn't have any qualms.
-
Permalink Reply by Scott Schemahorn on -
It's hard to say. Recently a friend of mine gave a great answer when asked "What is the one thing you would change about yourself?" Others in the group gave answers of chest, shoulders, arms, gut. However our friend came up with the answer of, "allow myself to embrace adventure, by acknowledging my fears and putting them to rest." And really isn't that we are talking about, putting whatever causes a man to be passive, predictable, and boring, recognizing those traits and putting them to rest. This will allow you to embrace adventure and become that man you want to be. It was such a great answer that I am trying to make it my new credo, cause it fit what I was thinking, but unwilling to acknowledge.
-
Permalink Reply by James Wells on -
Good answer. I like it.
-
Permalink Reply by Sean R. on -
I hear you - my idea of adventure consists of eating a toasted tuna sandwich with a book on Saturday afternoon, then probably having a nap. This sometimes upsets my wife and makes her worry I'm not interested in adventure or being spontaneous.
The best decision I made which has helped me overcome some of my natural shyness is to work in a very sales-focused role which makes me interact with a large number of people. Forcing myself to pick up the phone or drop by the office and speak with people - sometimes about difficult and very personal topics (e.g. personal finances) - made me realize that much of my shyness and lack of adventure was due to a fear of the unknown. Once I embraced that fear and got past it, I relaxed and (I think) my wife has found me to be much more open to spontaneity.
I'll always be a bit of a stick in the mud, but understanding what portion of that was fear and not genuine character really helped me and my marriage.
-
Permalink Reply by Robert Disque on -
I love this topic. I'm writing a blog post about assertiveness. One of the biggest changes a "nice guy" can make is to learn how to be assertive. It changes the way people perceive them. It also teaches them how to take emotional risks which in turn gives them the confidence to do other things they thought they couldn't do before.
Latest Activity
Nathanael replied to Matthew L Weiss's discussion Umbrellas ok?"As I noted, this is a regional difference. However, as someone who moved from the NW to the east coast, there are reasons umbrellas are used out here. 1. While it doesn't rain as much, such rain as there is is often…"
Brian W. Barrett replied to Herb Munson's discussion The Primacy and Existence of God in the group The Great Debate"Fault with your argument:
"The true and living God"
That has to be accepted to continue the discussion. Not everyone accepts that there is a god, the same god, a true god, or a living god.
The bible does not prove the existence of God, it…"
David replied to Matthew L Weiss's discussion Umbrellas ok?"Umbrellas for golfing or coming to the aid or assistance of a lady in a rain storm are perfectly acceptable and encouraged. Any other use is simply not acceptable in the Seattle area. That's what gore-tex was invented for. And…"
Matthew Williams replied to Hyrum Higgins's discussion Advice on whether to stop talking to a girl"I wish I could offer solid advice, but as I'm in the midst of such a situation (possibly about to come out of it, but I've been on the verge and then turned back countless times), the best I can do is join you in the trenches. I dated this…"
Roberto joined Brian Burnham's group
Remembering Dad
This is a group for men who have lost their fathers. It is a place to mourn, celebrate, and remember our fathers and a place for men to share experiences and draw strength from one another.See More
George H replied to Jax's discussion Latest Purchases in the group Wet Shaving (No Spam!)"I received a gift of Art of Shaving four step shaving kit from a co worker recently as a gift from a vendor for a recent order I and commented on Shave of the Day when I got it. What a nice surprise!
Art of Shaving Pre Shave oil…"
© 2013 Created by Brett McKay.
Powered by
