We can psychoanalyze them all day, but here are ten possible reasons why women choose bad boys.
This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.
1. Breaking the rules means fun
Women want someone who can break the monotony.
They look for a partner to surprise and take them out of mediocrity.
They want someone who can give them an adrenaline rush and constantly keep them on their toes.
The bad guy is a rule breaker.
And the thrill they offer could be a reason women choose bad boys.
Giphy
2. Mind conditioning from the media
The media conditioned us to believe the rotten apple can still be good.Many movies feature stories about women falling for bad boys who are actually nice.
Or turned out to be just a troubled or misunderstood creature.
Good Will Hunting is a good example.
Women have been exposed to the bad boy turned good scenario even when they’re still little girls.
Aladdin was a liar and a thief. But he only does it for survival. Plus, he gives what he has to someone who needs it more.
The Beast was mean and kidnapped Belle, but Stockholm syndrome made them fall for each other.
There’s character development in the end, so the possibility of a happily ever after for the girl who chooses the bad boy is there.
Giphy
3. Confidence is sexy
Bad boys exude confidence, and confidence is sexy.Nothing is more attractive than a man who knows what he wants and goes for it.
It could be because women want security. And a man who seems like he’s sure of himself gives that vibe.
They want someone precisely the opposite of what their fathers wish for them.
Giphy
4. Daddy issues
If you’re a fan of How I Met Your Mother, you know that Barney Stinson’s favorite “prey” are women with daddy issues.They want someone precisely the opposite of what their fathers wish for them.
Or because of homing instinct. They gravitate to what is familiar or makes them feel at home.
So if they’ve been badly treated by the man supposed to love and protect them growing up, they’re attracted to someone who does the same.
It’s the kind of relationship or treatment they know and understands.
Sad reality.
Women may choose bad boys because of their broken relationships with their fathers.
Giphy
5. Bad boys are challenging
Men love the chase. Women love a good challenge.What challenge?
Turning the rebel into the ideal guy.
The more the lousy guy rejects them, the more they want to go after them.
To prove their worth. To change his mind, perhaps.
We can also say that women don’t like the bad boys they see. Instead, they like the idea of being responsible for his transformation into a nice guy.
Some women make bad boys their personal projects. A goal to accomplish.
Sometimes they give too much of themselves in the hopes of bringing the best out of the person they choose.
They allow themselves to become a rehabilitation center for boys with issues.
That sense of accomplishment to achieve something that seems impossible is exciting and enticing.
Girls choose the bad boys because they love a challenge.
Giphy
Since nice guys seem to be the marrying type, so some women avoid them. They don’t want to be tied. At least not yet.
Bad boys are more carefree and appear more fun to be around.
They’re not the type who would settle down anytime soon.
Drunkgifs
7. Solving the mystery
The bad boy has a story he hides from the world.Who doesn’t love a mystery?
The pleasure in uncovering that enigmatic bad boy.
Curiosity gets the better of some women. So they choose the elusive bad boy.
Giphy
8. The damsel in distress in search of the knight in shining armor
According to clinical psychologist Dr. Kanan Khatau Chikhal:“Most of these women who fall for this kind of man are intimidated by the outside world. They are naturally shy and instantly attracted to someone who can take on the world, protect and take care of them.”
That sums it all up.
Some women need saving from the cruel world. And the dauntless bad boy offers that.
Giphy
9. Inferiority complex
The lack of self-worth often leads women to believe they deserve to be treated like crap.So they stay even when the guy doesn’t give them the attention, affection, and respect they deserve.
Giphy
10. The instinct to care for someone in need
Underneath all the bravado, you’re just a sad little boy with delusions of grandeur… who can’t fence for shit by the way. -Rafe AdlerWomen are naturally sympathetic and are born with maternal instincts.
They quickly need to protect and care for those considered as society’s reject or are often picked on.
Bad boys look like they need to be loved and nurtured, and women are ready to offer that.
Bad boys look like they need to be loved and nurtured, and women are ready to offer that.
Giphy
The danger is exciting. Too good to resist.
The what-ifs...
What if he has a kind heart but just doesn’t show it?
What if he’s sweet but doesn’t want to be vulnerable?
What if it works out. He’s gonna change for me at some point?
What if he’s just misunderstood? He’s not really mean. He’s just straightforward.
Yeah, right.
You’ve justified and defended them even though everyone can see that we’re only blinded by infatuation.
Or maybe because we’re good, and that’s what we automatically see or want to see in others.
We don't see the world as it is; we see it as we are. - Anaïs Nin
We risk anything for what we believe is love.
We make silly decisions that we know we’ll regret in the end.
We make silly decisions that we know we’ll regret in the end.
Sometimes we get the happily ever after we dream of.
Other times we fail.
I love this quote from Gilmore Girls:
I mean, you have your morals, standards, and good common sense, and then, bam, you meet some guy, and all that goes right out the window.For every good woman, there's a dirty little wolf ready to lead her astray! You can't help it.He's got the eyes, the chin, and chest hair you could carpet your dining room with. I mean, what's a woman to do? We're not made of steel, for God's sake!Take good care of yourself. And don't be embarrassed Toots! This has happened to all of us.
It’s happened even to the best of us.
What’s important is that, in the end, we learn a valuable lesson from every failed relationship.
Especially from our experience hanging around with the guy your mother warned you about.
Women may choose bad boys initially, but they will always strive to bring out the excellent guy in them.
Because the truth is, women may like to mess around with the bad boys, but deep down, they know it’s still better to marry the nice guy.
62 comments
Great post- so true!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
[ Smiles ] I am of the opinion that there are women to suit each character of men; whether they are good or bad.
ReplyDeleteLovely article!
Well-said! Thanks for the comment on my blog :)
ReplyDeletehttp://chameleonsoul7.blogspot.com/
Number 10!!! I thing so!
ReplyDeletethat's life
ReplyDeleteLol, i guess at some point, every "good guy" like me wants to become a bad boy type of guy too who seize adventure. This is just a funny and exciting post because i get to know from a woman's perspective that bad boys are always in. Can you make a list as well about good guys? the perspectives of women about them?
ReplyDeletenice read.
ReplyDeletehttp://theknotstory.com/
Oshey! BaDDest! **Throws Both hands in teh air outta respect. This was a ghen ghen post eh! I must say Bubba... That #5 and #8 were spot on to the friGGing Tee.. I mean seriously.. Guys need Saving and Girls need Rescuing.. Its like a law of life.. :) and a Combination of these 2 for me yeah.. make Dating fun fun fun! hehe Thanks for Sharing Luxxy of Destiny.. Blessings Bubba. xx
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right "Confidence is Sexy" and what woman doesn't like a man that is desirous of her!
ReplyDeleteNumber 10 is the reason I married my first husband. At least I did learn from my mistake!
ReplyDeletewas so much fun to read <3
ReplyDeleteBlog
✎ Free Blogdesign |Facebook |Bloglovin |♥Instagram | Lookbook |Google✚
Stay Gold
So true, great post Lux!!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
Oh how I agree with these, Lux! I always chose bad boys up until I got married. Thankfully I chose well at that point :). My reasoning for my earlier choices was definitely daddy issues but I would qualify for many of your others on the list too.
ReplyDeleteLove is a mystery isn't it? Good, bad, or otherwise...
ReplyDeleteinteresting post, and true.
ReplyDeletePostagem maravilhosa
ReplyDeleteMeu canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apP6eHn5PlI
Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/
you're so right ... i know a lot of women who gravitate toward bad boys too. though then again, there are others who also like the good boys, heh :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of these. I think that girls are just attracted to a guy who seems like can't commit, and they like that challenge of trying to get him to commit to them, because if a guy who can't seem to settle down settles for them, then that somehow makes them better than the other girls.
ReplyDeleteI hope that made sense lol
I think number 3 is the most common......
ReplyDeleteNice article...
It all true!
ReplyDeletewww.alessandrastyle.com
Well said. In this era of social media platforms, well, influence comes from getting impressed with what our friends share.
ReplyDeleteCan sure go many a way and get lead astray
ReplyDeleteSo true!
ReplyDeleteI think that the instinct to care for another person plays a big role...
ReplyDeleteLovely post!
xoxo
www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
;D
ReplyDeleteSou mais os bonzinhos! hahaha!
Ótima quinta!
Beijo! ^^
definitely their need to be analytical and solve problems and be challenged with them. No woman can just sit quietly and enjoy the peace, they'll create chaos just to be able to clean it up again.
ReplyDeleteI agree...maybe more of a challenge but I wonder if it will last ~
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit ~
I love number three but like you said in the end we will always want to marry the good guy..lol great post.
ReplyDeletewww.effortlesslady.com
I resonate so much to your last two points. I have this personality where I forget how angry I am at the other person and if I feel the other person needs company, I immediately jump into the trap. That happened to me very recently where I don't know if the "bad boy" pretended to be just lonely or was actually laying a bait for me. Thankfully I got out and learnt a lesson.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Nilu Yuleena Thapa
BIG hair LOUD mouth
This post is so true 😀
ReplyDeletehttp://freshfacebeauty.in
True!
ReplyDeleteSo very well-written, Lux. Many pointers stand so true.
ReplyDeleteEpsita | www.thepositivewindow.com
There is just something so sexy about a bad boy, someone who is a little risky.
ReplyDeleteMeme xx
New Post:
Five Benefits Of Cricket Flour That May Change Your Perspective // Crobar Review*
www.thedayinthelifeof.co.uk
This is brilliant! I used to go for bad boys but now I've got a good one. I like the fact that you've added a "Continue Reading" option, before it was a bit fiddly reading your posts by clicking on the photo
ReplyDeleteI'm probably strange, but I've never really been interested in "bad boys". I always went for the nice guys!
ReplyDeleteamazing post!!
ReplyDeleteKisses darling
Bellezza pour femme - fashion blog di Marzia Amaranto
Hi, Luxie!
ReplyDeleteFor years I played the role of a bad boy (posturing, posing, pretending and acting out) and I got my share of women. Today, when I think back and remember how I behaved to impress the opposite sex, I shudder and shake my head in disbelief, because I am a very different person now. A woman did not change me. I took responsibility and changed myself. I agree with all these reasons why many girls and women hook up with bad boys. They say "a good man is hard to find." Perhaps women have given up trying to find them and are settling for bad men. It doesn't speak well of women, of men or of society.
Thank you, dear friend Lux!
All of these points are so true. I know I made a mistake or two with those bad guys out there..but lessons learned for sure :) Hope you have a great weekend! xo
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
Great post. Thanks for popping by my blog...do come again. I hope you have a great weekend! Kizzy x The Dainty Dolls House
ReplyDeleteGreat points indeed. Enjoy your weekend dear.
ReplyDeleteNina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
Good insight!
ReplyDelete10 interesting reasons you have given. I enjoy reading them. Attraction is a strange thing.
ReplyDeleteSigh... Thank goodness I'm older and wiser now. Ironically, I have a handsome "bad boy" for a son and he drives me crazy.
ReplyDeleteI already know that when it comes to books at least, I'm usually not the person who falls for the bad guy. I generally like gentlemanly guys and the more play it safe. I'm all for traditional I'll hold open the doors and tell you simple as it is. I think that's the kind of person who would compliment me better than someone who keeps me on the edge.
ReplyDeleteThe ethernal conundrum Lux, great post! Baci, Valeria - Coco et La vie en rose new post
ReplyDeleteHi sweetie
ReplyDeleteso cool tips
kisses
Maggie D.
Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary
Absolutely on point... and I love all the graphics you included.
ReplyDelete7%
Solution
I agree with the first one. :))
ReplyDeletexoxo,
SHAIRA // Dentistry Night 2016
I am one of those girls actually. Bad boys but we all have the good side inside the heart.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! I've never fell for bad guys, but I do find confident men very attractive.
ReplyDeleteJasmine x
You hit it right on Lux. Agree with what you said.
ReplyDeletethis is a fun read! :D
ReplyDeletexoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net/
This was such a well-written (and funny!) post - and I loved that you concluded that ultimately, women want nice guys. My favourite point was definitely about confidence being sexy.. I guess the trick is to find a confident 'nice guy'!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
Such an amazing post! Love the images. Have an amazing new week.
ReplyDeleteStyle For Mankind
Facebook
Bloglovin
All true, Lux! Fell for my bad boy boyfriend in high school, and now he is my husband, and in school to become a pastor. Life is funny. Thanks for sharing such a great post! Blessings :)
ReplyDeleteThis is really awesome! I've never been one for bad boys, but I think it is something to do with their confidence!
ReplyDeleteRachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Hehe... I've always been considered somewhat of a bad boy. Mainly it's because of my vulgar language and irreverence towards rules I perceive as completely stupid. But in all my years, my confidence has never been referred to as "sexy"... LOL.
ReplyDeleteSomething thoughtful, Lux
ReplyDeleteI go for the bad boy one too many times... I actually thought I had finally gone for the good guy and found out I was wrong... I am no longer looking for the good or the bad...I'm just going travel xox
ReplyDeleteSome of these points lead me to believe that women need to fix bad boys. What do you think about this Lux? Is it true? If so, do you think these women are healthy relaters? You got me thinking...
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you - these are solid reasons why there are those people who choose bad boys do so. Sometimes it frustrates me how often the bad boy wins out. Especially in literature! When it comes to love triangles I am always supporting the good guy, but the sad thing is that he never seems to be the one who turns out to be on top.
ReplyDeleteLove that last sentence! No one really wants to be with someone that embarrasses them constantly in front of their friends.
ReplyDelete