How to Avoid Toxic Relationships That Go Nowhere

The Attraction to the Bad Boy

This syndrome may manifest in the chart of the woman who comes from a traditional family where manners and moral upbringing are stressed. But, unfortunately, she finds most “nice” men (that her parents would approve) uninteresting, boring, and “too white bread.” Instead, she’s excited and fascinated by a man of questionable character especially if he appears fascinating and mysterious. Some women are even more bewitched if the man seems dangerous. There’s something forbidden about his character that makes him very captivating.

This “bad boy” is fascinating to her for his rebellious ways, and devil-may-care attitude. (And, if her parents would disapprove - finding him socially unacceptable in some way, so much the better.) He may be devilishly handsome with a charismatic personality that says, “I do what I want and I get what I want.”

Or, he may be intriguing because he lives a carefree life, unconcerned about society’s approval. She’s so charmed that she ignores all the “red flags” that should give her pause: he seems to enjoy drinking a lot; he gets familiar and talks about sex right away; he’s changed jobs often and is currently unemployed; he’s 35 and still living with his parents.

This woman’s attraction to such a man may be even darker. She may become engrossed when she hears that he’s dropped out of school or had some trouble with the law or is unconcerned that he can’t seem to hold a job. He may have an exciting sexual charisma or just appears a bit freaky. In some way he’s a “bad boy.”