How to Handle the Not-So-Great Men

There are Great Men and there are No-So-Great Men.

My Daddy used to say, “Cherry, half the men out there aren’t worth killing.” (Encouraging, isn’t it?) Daddy was a corporate lawyer—and a Great Man. But he dealt with many Not-So-Great men throughout his life, and he wasn’t afraid to tell you about it.

Just as I’m about to tell you ...

As a woman looking for love, you must deal with many Not-So-Great Men while looking for your Great Man.

(But you already knew that—see, nothing gets by you!)

You know exactly who they are.

You can recognize them in an instant.

So knowing a Not-So-Great Man is not the problem...

The problem is What in God’s name do you do with them?

Two examples of Not-So-Great Men are: The “Nice Guy But ...” and the “Rogue.”

1. The “Nice Guy But ... ”
You know this guy very well.

He’s the guy you meet in the coffee shop or at the gym or your friend sets you up with.

And he’s nice. There’s nothing wrong with him. But there’s no magic either. He’s just okay.

He’s a Not-So-Great Man for You.

You go out a couple of times and you know he’s feeling the “mojo,” but you’re not. And he wants to kiss you and you’re like ... yuck.

You don’t want to hurt him. Or lead him on. After all he’s a NGB.

So what do you do?

You tell him “see ya” respectfully. You leave him in as good a place as you found him. You thank him for everything he’s given you.

And you wish him well.

No man deserves to be clobbered for being the “Nice Guy But ... ”

2 readers liked this story.
share
POST
06.10.2008
Daniel
(Continued)...am I saying it's wrong to build a life that includes family, owning a home, future security, etc.? No...of course not. But way more often than not, when a couple pursues these ideals, especially women, their practicality totally subsumes romance and balance with that man who was first your romantic lover and friend, and then became a garden variety husband. Does this mean men in this position want to shirk their responsibilities? Sure, some do. But most men don't. Men want and desire a better balance with the woman they fell in love with. They want to feel that they still count in their woman's life as more than a wage earner. Oddly, if a woman is the major wage earner, even in these supposed more enlightened times, she'll usually eventually become contemptuous of a man who earns less than she. It's tough. I'm not complaining, but women, you make men walk a very difficult tightrope in a committed relationship. There's more to say, but I'm interested in your comments.
06.10.2008
Daniel
(continued)...If you asked a women if love was the sole and/or major reason to marry someone, an honest woman would tell you no. Ask a man in love the same question and he would invariably say, yes! Hmmm...so, who's the romantic in this equation? Well, of course, the answer is not simple, nor is it black and white. But it is no accident that women make up the overwhelming majority of Romance fiction readers. Ostensibly, to fill a gap in their lives. A gap, I believe they create themselves. When women get serious with a man, or marry them, the focus changes from romance and sex, to children, nesting, buying homes, security, money & the like. Men go along, because most men try to be responsible. These practical matters, more often than not, are the death of romance in every relationship. Money comes next as a villain. I'm not casting blame, just illuminating what I see to be an ancient pattern. Men's feelings often become secondary in budding families, except for finances. (Continued...)
06.10.2008
Daniel
Well, Rita and Cherry, the Rogue & the NGB are certainly not the only stereotypes out there. Frankly, it's not a rogue's fault that many women, at least in the beginning desire his type. In the beginning most women love the excitement that a rogue delivers to their lives. It's only after women step back from a budding relationship (as they invariably do before men) to wonder if he'll be a good husband, wage earner, father, all around nice guy AND a romantic to boot. That's a lot to ask from any man, though certainly there are many men that can measure up. But women are definitely hard to figure out and please. Don't deny it girls...I've had countless convos with women who tell they don't even know why they act certain ways. Even you don't, then don't expect men to get it. We don't live our emotional lives on as many levels as do women. Women are VERY practical, the whole 'Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars' thing, notwithstanding. If you asked a women if love, (cont. next comment)
05.07.2008
Rita Moore
Ladies - we need to print this out and post it on the fridge - just say NO! I've lived this scenario more than once and have paid dearly - just as wise Cherry has warned. Bravo, Bravo.
It feels good to write.

Your stories, musings, and advice are welcome here. We know you've got something to share, so jump in—maybe get a little famous. And don't worry—you can save a draft!

most liked
Loader_buff
Other topics you might appreciate
Play Parenting