Do You Need to be a Bad Guy to Get the Girl?

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We've all heard the cliche that nice guys finish last. In the movies and in contemporary society it certainly seems that way. Isn't it always the rebel, the renegade, the maverick who has the pretty girl on his arm? Doesn't it seem like the girls are attracted to that bad guy persona?

Research may have solidified the notion that bad guys do get more women, but not necessarily that they're holding on to them longer. According to research conducted at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, men who exemplify the "dark triad" traits, tend to get more women. The traits are narcissism, thrill-seeking callousness and Machiavellianism. The study looked at 200 male college students who were asked to take a personality test. It found that those who scored higher on the dark triad personality traits tended to have more partners and more desire for short-term relationships.

Based on these findings many men may think they have to be bad to get a girl. But dating experts say that isn't necessarily so. Simply borrowing some of the traits that make bad guys seemingly so appealing can help any guy in the dating scene.

* Bad guys are interesting: One could say the dull moments in a bad guy's life are few and far between. Who doesn't appreciate someone who is interesting and who lives for the day? Simply walking to the beat of a different drummer once in a while can shake off the dull doldrums and put you in an entirely different light with the ladies.

* Bad guys are a challenge: Women tend to be problem-solvers. They appreciate a challenge and want to work for something that seems appealing. Challenging people keep them excited and on their toes. Giving in, or making things too easy for the girl you desire, could leave her wondering what the challenge in the relationship is. After all, it often seems the things that are the most challenging offer the best rewards.

* Bad guys are confident: Confidence is something that attracts a person to another. A guy who is confident with himself parlays that magnetism to others. You don't have to be bad to be confident. Just be self-assured in what you do and what you want to accomplish.

* Bad guys have power: Power doesn't equate to wealth, but having control over something else. Even though women want one side of a man who can be nurturing and emotional, there is the other part that should have a take-control nature. Showing off a little power can help get the girl, whether you are the president of your company, or leader of the motorcycle gang.

You don't have to break all the rules to win the woman of your dreams. Just embrace some of the positive traits that make bad guys seem so appealing and you can be Mr. Nice Guy and still get the girl.