1. The Needy Guy
He is overly emotional and shares all his feelings with her right away. The Needy Guy also doubts himself and needs constant reassurance about his relationship, work and friendships.
Why he is so unappealing: Confidence and independence are very sexy traits in a man — insecurity and dependence are not. Most women look for a strong partner they can lean on. So if you are always leaning on her — especially in the early stages of a relationship — she might doubt your ability to do this. And since women tend to come into relationships with all sorts of insecurities, she won’t want to deal with yours as well as her own.
What to do if you’re that guy: Timing is everything, so you just need to keep your feelings in check at the beginning of the relationship. Try to hold off on sharing all your feelings or divulging your insecurities. Once you are far enough along in the relationship, you can share as much as you want. By that point, she’ll appreciate knowing what’s on your mind.
2. The Predictable Guy
Women don’t like the Predictable Guy because they know exactly how he’ll react to everything. He follows formulas and never wants to do anything differently. For example, he’d never surprise a woman by spontaneously taking her out for the night.
Why he is so unappealing: Women look for a certain amount of unpredictability in a man — they want a free spirit. This is why some women seem to be drawn to the notorious “bad boy.” It’s not that they are drawn to his badness exactly, but rather to his unpredictability.
What to do if you’re that guy: You don’t have to be “bad” or a completely free spirit to win her over. But try to mix things up — particularly at the beginning of a relationship. Call her and tell her you want to go to the countryside for the day, or for an impromptu meal. After she gets to know you, she won’t mind as much if you slip back into your routine a bit. But don’t forget to continue to surprise her once in a while — doing so will keep the relationship fresh.
3. The Arrogant Guy
He has a huge ego and he’s condescending. He is also rude — not necessarily to her, but to anyone he perceives as beneath him. And that’s just as bad as being rude directly to her.
Why he is so unappealing: A woman often looks at how a man treats other people to assess his personality. So even though you might be nice to her on a date, she’ll be paying attention to how you act with other people too.
What to do if you’re that guy: No woman wants to be talked down to, so I shouldn’t have to tell you to shed the ego when you are dealing with her directly. But in order to really impress her, you need to treat everyone around you with a certain amount of respect — because she’ll be watching.
4. The Boorish Guy The Boorish Guy doesn’t try to hide the fact that he’s checking out other women while in her presence; he flirts with the waitress and he even goes as far as to brag about his past conquests. Overall, he lacks respect for women.
Why he is so unappealing: Not only is this type of behavior infuriating, it can also be bad for a woman’s self-esteem. If you act like this when you are first getting to know a woman, you won’t stand a chance.
What to do if you’re that guy: If you can’t curb this kind of behavior permanently, then you at least have to keep it in check when making a first impression. Keep your flirting and wandering eyes at bay — and maybe eventually it’ll become a habit. Because, truthfully, if you introduce this kind of behavior into a relationship at any point, she won’t be pleased.
5. The Cheap Guy
He invites a woman to dinner and then subtly suggests they go Dutch. He never splurges to buy her flowers and he always opts for the cheapest wine. He makes her feel like they’re on a tight budget from the very first date.
Why he is so unappealing: Your first few dates should always be carefree; the words “saving” and “budget” shouldn’t come up. If she spends the first date picturing a lifetime of penny-pinching with you, you’re out of luck.
What to do if you’re that guy: Loosen up the purse strings a little when you’re courting a woman. You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a good impression, but you do need to make her feel like she’s special. Flowers are a nice touch once in a while.
6. The Arguer
This type of guy turns every conversation into an argument. When he takes a woman out, he makes her feel like she’s in debate class rather than on a date. And in doing so, he makes her feel defensive and self-conscious.
Why he is so unappealing: A date should be a pleasant experience, but if she’s on the defensive the whole time, she will not be enjoying herself. Remember this: Constant arguing and debating is a stress — and you certainly don’t want her to associate you with a stressful experience.
What to do if you’re that guy: Most importantly, relax. If you are this type of guy, you probably revert to debating because you are nervous or unsure of what to say. So before the date, brainstorm conversation topics and questions you can ask her. That way, you won’t be as likely to revert to arguing during lulls in the conversation.
7. The Self-Righteous Guy
This guy is very judgmental of others. He probably doesn’t drink or smoke, and he doesn’t hesitate to tell others to follow suit. From the very first date, he’ll preach to a woman, telling her she shouldn’t drink wine or get dessert.
Why he is so unappealing: No one wants to be judged, especially on a date. She’ll just find it annoying and rude.
What to do if you’re that guy: You can preach a little once you are actually in a relationship. But until that point, her drinking, smoking and dessert-eating habits are none of your business.
8. The Misogynist
This guy makes no secret of his bitterness toward women. On a date, he can’t help but exude negativity toward his companion and the entire female gender by making rude and insulting comments.
Why he is so unappealing: This is the only type of behavior on this list that is, in fact, a total deal-breaker. And it’s not surprising. What woman do you know that would like to be in a relationship with a man like this?
What to do if you’re that guy: You need to reconsider your attitude if you are this type of guy. This type of behavior is not only rude and nasty, it is often the last straw in breaking up a relationship.
9. Mr. Nice Romantic Guy
He’ll show up with flowers, leave cards around your apartment and quote Keats on a whim. Think old-fashioned courtship where you’re being wooed instead of sitting by the phone wondering if he’ll call.
Celebrity counterparts: Cary Grant, Johnny Depp as Don Juan DeMarco
What he’ll teach you: This affectionate man will show you a softer side of our male counterparts (what a relief to have someone fawn over you for a change!), all the while raising your expectations of how you wish to be treated. After realizing that there are guys out there who understand the importance of a random note or kiss in the moonlight, you’ll be less likely to stay with someone who degrades or ignores you in the future.
The catch: Most of the time, these guys are in love with the idea of love. This means they will come on strong but lose momentum in the long haul as the reality of a relationship sets in (i.e. disagreements, uneventful days), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t date him and enjoy the experience. Just keep a level head while he floats around you.
10. Mr. Big Shot
He dresses sharp, talks slick and has the perfectly coiffed looks of a man straight out of a lad mag. One look at him in his tailored suit and you’re toast — which is exactly why he wears it.
Celebrity counterparts: Chris Noth as Mr. Big, any Bond
What he’ll teach you: From sending your nether regions to Brazil (Mr. Big Shot doesn’t do granny panties) to the proper way to age a Cabernet, you’re in for a crash course in the finer way of life. Dinners will be four-star and the conversation will be witty. You’ll walk away from this relationship more sophisticated and well aware of your own inner vixen. The catch: As the 007 of romance, he’s going in for the kill. He knows exactly what he’s doing and the effect it’s having on you — and every other girl around him. The odds of this guy slipping out of his suit and into a comfy relationship are low, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the smooth ride around the town while it lasts.
11. Mr. Sexy Older Guy
He’s old enough to have settled into his skin and has been involved with enough women to know that you require much more than dinner and a few martinis to get into the mood. Best of all, he never makes you late for dinner because he’s playing Xbox.
Celebrity counterparts: Sean Connery, Antonio Banderas
What he’ll teach you: He has a lifetime of experience to share (in and out of the bedroom), which will likely keep you on your toes (and curling them, too!). Plus, he’ll show you how to see life in a different way. No matter how long it lasts or how it ends, you’ll walk away worldlier — and will never settle for a measly five minutes of foreplay again.
The catch: Despite what Demi and Ashton might say, age is more than a number. If you are just starting to get comfortable in your skin and he’s shed his several times, there is a good chance you’ll have issues with long-term compatibility. Sure, he’s hot now, but how will you feel in 10 years? Give one another a thrill, then move onto someone you both can relate to.
12. Mr. Man’s Man
He carries your bags, will defend your honor and would rather swallow glass than shave his chest or take hot wax to his eyebrows.
Celebrity counterparts: Frank Sinatra, Russell Crowe
What he’ll teach you: This rough rogue will have you relishing in your femininity like no other. Why? There is something about raw masculinity that brings out the damsel in all of us. Dating this bruiser will show you how fun it can be when he shows you who the man is (think Rhett Butler when he scooped Scarlett up those stairs). Dating him will do one of two things: make you squeal with delight or appreciate your ability and right to wear the pants sometimes. Regardless, be sure to play Scarlett at least once — trust us.
The catch: You’re dying to be wined and dined, but he’s already made plans to meet you down at the pub. This is the guy who gets inspired by Braveheart and cries only “out of frustration.” He’s also prone to affairs… with his favorite sports teams. Oh, and forget about asking him to hold your purse while you do anything — he wouldn’t dare.
13. Mr. Fun Social Guy
Whether he’s out with friends or meeting the family for brunch, one thing’s for certain: He’s going to be the life of the party.
Celebrity counterparts: Will Farrell, Vince Vaughn
What he’ll teach you: There is something very attractive about a man who’s always ready to have a good time. You’ll laugh a lot and learn how to go with the flow and let things slide. These types are often quite spontaneous, which means you should be ready for anything from a quickie to a quick dash to Vegas.
The catch: Most people are social because they like the company of others, but Fun Social Guys are social because they love to be the center of attention — and they love the excitement of something new. This poses an issue for long-term loves because: A) Who wants to be an audience member 24/7, and B) Let’s face it: Relationships can get dull at times — what will he do then? Enjoy the roller-coaster ride, but don’t be afraid to walk away to more stable ground.
