I know. I know. I’ve heard all the arguments about why romance novels are a waste of time. They set women up to have unrealistic expectations. Expectations the average guy can’t hope to meet. They make us want things mortal men could never give us. They make us want Romeo, Albert Einstein, and James Bond -all rolled into Captain America‘s new and improved body. (by the way, that was an affiliate link – learn more about those by clicking here)
Oh yeah. And let’s not forget – he must have a bank account valued at slightly less than all of the gold in Fort Knox, a mansion requiring an army of maids and groundskeepers, and a collection of expensive sports cars.
Romantic, smart, suave, sexy/strong/brave, and rich. The perfect man.
Sure, there are books written with heroes like that. And maybe there are women who want that kind of man. But I’m going to step out on a limb and say that’s not the man most women dream about.
And why would we? If our bars are set that high, wouldn’t theirs be too?
Personally, I think most women would prefer the kind of guy who takes the time to read romance novels. Not erotica novels, but romance. The kinds of stories written about real men. Real men who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and help around the house. Who put the toilet seat down. Who can prepare a meal. Or run a relaxing bath for a wife who has had a rough day. One who supports her and encourages her to be the best she can be. Someone who considers her safety and well-being important.
And – this is VERY important – a man who doesn’t think sex and romance are the same thing. Because, let me tell you, they’re not.
These are all great reasons for men to read romance novels. To make an effort to discover the things that make ‘her’ swoon, feel safe, feel important. And to see if they can figure out ways to apply some of that knowledge to their relationship.
If I were a betting kind of woman, I’d wager a small fortune that if men would actually pick up those books – in the same way they’d pick up a book for any class they might be interested in – they’d learn a lot. And if they’d take it a step further and actually apply even a few of the things they would learn, their marriages/dating lives would improve greatly.
Because a woman who feels loved and cherished will almost certainly try to find ways too reciprocate. I’d call that a win/win, wouldn’t you?
Even as a scrawny, ninety-pound weakling, Steve Rogers was a better man than the bullies who picked on him. And, speaking of, I think it’s time to pull out my CD and spend some quality time with the Cap.
Photo credit: Pixabay
