All of this is completely true.

Look, the guy who sits in the corner looking sullen, drinks too much and makes bad decisions, seems awkward and incredibly self-conscious, and doesn't have any passions aside from his job? That guy might be incredibly together in his professional life. He might feel good about his dating prospects. Heck, he can probably find himself a female partner who is willing to exchange a lack of passion and connection, for real commitment.

However, for those of us gals who have a passionate streak, who feel our emotions deeply, who express ourselves artistically, and who want real connection? We need a partner who really knows himself. We need a man who is self-confident enough to stand up for himself when appropriate, and sensitive enough to recognize when he's wrong. We need a man who takes care of himself, and that includes defending himself when necessary, so he can take care of us.

I don't need a man who can throw a punch. I do need a man who isn't so afraid of other men that he can't make a real decision for himself, just like a real man won't want a woman whose life choices are determined by her crowd.

Women want bad boys because they're adults, in a way that nice men are not grown up enough to be.