Dear Annie: Do all women really want “bad boys” to date?

Dear Annie: I am 28, a college graduate, and have been told by my family and friends that I am good-looking. I am respectful of women I take out on dates; I pay for all the meals, am pleasant and interesting to talk to, and am neat and clean. I smell good, from cologne to fresh breath, and always dress neatly and fashionably. I am in finance and make six figures. However, rarely do I get a second date. I can’t understand why.

Do all women just want “bad boys”? I am successful professionally but am in a dead end romantically. I want to find someone to build a relationship with, eventually marry, and start a family, but I can’t do that if I can’t even get a second date. What’s wrong with me? — Looking for Love

Dear Looking: Loosen up! Stop focusing on doing all the “right” things and instead focus on having fun and living in the moment. Show girls your sense of humor; get in touch with your goofy side; plan creative dates.

You also sound overly concerned with how your dates view you, but what do you think of them? Make sure to evaluate the connection you have with these women and think about how you feel when you’re with them. Remember: you’re looking for your future partner, not a set of boxes to check.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].