How to Break the Bad Boy Habit

Think of all those handsome hunks in the movies, like Denzel Washington in "Training Day" and George Clooney in "Out of Sight." There is something irresistible about those bad boys. Charming and dangerous, they worm their way into the hearts of women all over the world. Unfortunately, those bad boys aren't just on the big screen; they walk in and out of the lives of women everyday, breaking hearts as they go. Women find themselves in relationships with these kind of men constantly, only to be left behind or forced, for the sake of their emotional health, to move on with their lives without the bad boy. If you find you are always falling for the wrong man, break the habit and rid your life of bad boys.

Instructions

1. Ask yourself why you keep falling for bad boys. Look deep inside yourself to find the need that the bad boys are fulfilling. Perhaps you love the drama. It could also be that you do not know what you want in a man. Look into your family life when you were a child; it is possible that this type of behavior was modeled for you then. The reasons you keep falling for bad boys can be various. Find out those reasons and change your behavior.

2. Make a list of the bad things he is guilty of doing to you. This may sound tedious, but it will help you. Instead of thinking of all the wonderful and charming things your bad boy does for you, think of all the times he has lied or cheated or didn't follow through with something. Every time he makes you cry or feel bad about yourself, add that to the list.

3. Understand there is a difference in "nice" and "boring." Bad boys can be exciting, but there is a huge cost to that added spark in the relationship. That spark is usually not worth the cost of your self-esteem and feeling of self-worth. Nice guys do not have to be boring and they do not always finish last. Nice guys surprise you with flowers or changing the oil in your car. Those little extras are far better than the thrill of a bad boy.

4. Do not think the bad boy is charming. Instead, think of it as if he is trying to charm you. Charming is not a personality trait; it is a means to an end. It is his way of getting away with something or convincing you of doing something. Being charming is not a positive attribute. It is a way to for the bad boy to get what he wants--sex, money or whatever other favor he wants at the moment.

5. Know that relationships with bad boys aren't healthy for you. It is unhealthy for you to be used and, possibly abused. Do not sacrifice your self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence for a bad boy that probably won't change his behavior. Put yourself first. Remember that if you can't take care of yourself and feel good about yourself, you can't do those things for the man in your life.