Do nice guys finish last?

Though many women claim to be looking for "nice guys" in a romantic relationship, many are still attracted to the "bad boys" for the excitement, fun and mystery they represent. But does this mean nice guys don't have a chance when it comes to love?

Hardly. But first, we should clarify what it means to be a nice guy.

Nice is not boring. Although we tend to associate nice with boring, they are not the same. A man can be nice as well as engaging, interesting, and surprising. To me, a boring man doesn't contribute to the conversation because he has nothing new to say, is not curious about the world around him, and tends to agree with whatever the woman says or wants. This doesn't win any hearts, guys. Boring is not going to help a relationship last.

Nice is not shy. Many women equate nice with shy when it comes to men. If a man is too intimidated to approach a woman, ask her out, or show her his affection, his shyness is hindering his dating magnetism. Nice guys do show their interest and attraction in a woman and they aren't afraid to approach.

Nice is not needy. If a woman sees that a man is sending her flowers, presents, and calls or texts her several times a day, she'll start to get weary. Pursuing a woman doesn't mean that you have to prove yourself and your worth as a partner all the time by showering her with affection and gifts. This shows insecurity, which is not attractive to women. Nice guys show affection, compliment, and pursue a woman they are interested in, but they aren't needy.

Nice is considerate and respectful. If a man shows respect towards the women he dates, is thoughtful, and is considerate of her feelings, he is being a nice guy. These are traits that most women are attracted to for long-term partnerships, as opposed to the men who don't return phone calls or keep women guessing about their intentions.

While bad boys might be attractive to women in the short term, it's the nice ones who "finish first" in terms of successful long-term partnerships.