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Nice Guy Syndrome and Misandry

CynthiaCypher

Well-Known Member
Can we define what a nice guy is for the purposes of this thread?

I am very, very drawn to "nice guys", but I think people have vastly different definitions. I wonder if it means rather martyr-like, self-deprecating, with too much woe-is-meism. But to me, it means intelligent, unassuming, guileless, and compassionate. I have little regard for displays of power, and in fact, I distance myself from them from experience of how it plays out. I also don't associate particular hobbies or interests with nice or bad boys. Motorcycles and tattoos a bad boy don't make.

Men and women secure in their identities are more attractive than any attempt to live up to a stereotype, no matter the stereotype. Although I prefer people who naturally don't conform to culture, I enjoy anyone who embraces her or his nature - whether that's traditionally masculine or feminine or deliciously counter-cultural. I most treasure my friends who are secure enough to consider and value other viewpoints.

I think the link wolf provided is a good definition

http://icedteaandlemoncake.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/feminsim-101-nice-guy-syndrome/

Don't get me wrong, I don't think for a guy to masculine he has to be a jerk. I look for certain traits like he has to be self-assured but not a complete narcissist, he should be confident but not foolish and he should definitely be responsible. I find those traits attractive in a male.
 

Songbird

She rules her life like a bird in flight
Guys. I am afraid he might have a point here.

I don't think so. I think our expectations of what the opposite gender wants interferes with what they actually want. On top of that, confusing myths and outdated modes of addressing reality add mixed messages.

Perhaps we're saying similar things but semantics are getting in the way.
 

painted wolf

Grey Muzzle
That's not what I mean. Of course a man should care about his lady's opinion. Of course she can make an important decision for the two of them however, the woman must know that she's being allowed to make that decision because the guy cares about her happiness, not because he's too weak to stop her.
And the man should realize the same thing about the woman. ;)

He should know that the woman allows him make decisions because she cares about his happiness... not because he's got the ability to bully her.


wa:do

ps... in adult relationships both people are equal partners. Neither "allows" the other to do anything.
 

Songbird

She rules her life like a bird in flight
That's not what I mean. Of course a man should care about his lady's opinion. Of course she can make an important decision for the two of them however, the woman must know that she's being allowed to make that decision because the guy cares about her happiness, not because he's too weak to stop her.

There's that confusing mythology. It's all semantics - "allowed", "making decisions", being "too weak to stop her" - can you identify the meaning of these? Can you locate their definitions please? They're likely catch words used to elicit feelings rather than having actual useful meanings.
 

Penumbra

Veteran Member
Premium Member
The men I've been attracted to share a common set of traits.

-They're strong in more ways than one, with an emphasis on intellectual and moral character.
-They are comfortable with their self, and are effective leaders but don't need to boast about it.
-They treat women and other men compassionately and respectfully because they're not small enough to need to be unnecessarily competitive or hurtful to anyone. There's nothing for them to prove; their virtues are apparent, or come out with time. They show by doing, not talking. They genuinely help other people.
-They're willing to be decisive and take charge, but they don't have to, nor do they feel that women need or want them to.

The same traits are desirable in male or female friends, because they're just attractive traits in general.

A truly nice guy is a good thing. But a stereotypical "nice guy" typically refers to a person who is submissive or weak or uncomfortable or socially inexperienced.
 

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
There's that confusing mythology. It's all semantics - "allowed", "making decisions", being "too weak to stop her" - can you identify the meaning of these? Can you locate their definitions please? They're likely catch words used to elicit feelings rather than having actual useful meanings.

Brilliant! Especially for a girl.
 

CynthiaCypher

Well-Known Member
The men I've been attracted to share a common set of traits.

-They're strong in more ways than one, with an emphasis on intellectual and moral character.
-They are comfortable with their self, and are effective leaders but don't need to boast about it.
-They treat women and other men compassionately and respectfully because they're not small enough to need to be unnecessarily competitive or hurtful to anyone. There's nothing for them to prove; their virtues are apparent, or come out with time. They show by doing, not talking. They genuinely help other people.
-They're willing to be decisive and take charge, but they don't have to, nor do they feel that women need or want them to.

The same traits are desirable in male or female friends, because they're just attractive traits in general.

A truly nice guy is a good thing. But a stereotypical "nice guy" typically refers to a person who is submissive or weak or uncomfortable or socially inexperienced.

And that's how I would define being masculine.

I would add that he puts his spouse and family first and foremost above all other things
 

Songbird

She rules her life like a bird in flight
The guy should shoot for being a "gentleman" in a lady's eyes, not a "nice guy".

I don't know you, and I don't know if you embrace the things you've posted as a matter of principle or if you naturally are wired that way. But I want to say that if you are inclined to behave the ways you mention easily and naturally, I support and accept that.

If, however, you endorse your view as best for everyone as a matter of belief, I encourage you to listen to opposing viewpoints in a careful, compassionate, thoughtful way. A good way to do so is to "remove" your view for a few minutes, pretend to take on the viewpoint of the person you're listening to, and even try arguing for that view for a bit. Test it out, see how it can be valid to others, even if it doesn't work for you.

And the best way to do that is to develop genuine, compassionate, long-term friendships with people unlike you.
 

9-10ths_Penguin

1/10 Subway Stalinist
Premium Member
The guy should shoot for being a "gentleman" in a lady's eyes, not a "nice guy".

Heh... when anyone refers to my Mom as a lady, she bristles and says "I'm no lady!"

... and when anyone called my Dad a gentleman, he'd say "I'm not a gentleman! I work for a living."
 

Songbird

She rules her life like a bird in flight
And that's how I would define being masculine.

I would add that he puts his spouse and family first and foremost above all other things

....and I don't define "masculine". Gender attributes are mostly irrelevant to me. Sooo many other qualities take precedence.
 

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
The reality is that you were spot on in the first part of your post. You don't know **** about me. Nevertheless, you chose to reject that bit of insight by assuming you know how I treat women in my personal relationships.

You should listen to Songbird, Jungle. She gave you excellent advice. But what the hell, it's your loss.
 
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