10 Things Guys Could Like to Turn Girls On
Posted at 5:00 AM Mar 02, 2010
By Jill Pantozzi
"Women reading comics, playing video games, talking tech, or role playing is to geeks what wet t-shirt contests, Hooters girls, and strippers are to Nascar fans." That was an anonymous comment I received recently from someone who thought some geek girls use sex to exploit themselves, thus gaining popularity. Forgetting the offensive nature of and gross generalizations in the statement, I understand the underlying concept. Contrary to popular belief, geek girls aren't really a myth or a rarity but to a geek guy, seeing a woman interested in comics or video games must be pretty thrilling. Add to that a girl who doesn't hide her geek nature but rather shouts it from the rooftops, and she'll be receiving online marriage proposals monthly. Not that I'd know anything about that....
But what about the non-geek out there? If you think about it, no matter what your interests, it's exciting to find someone who likes the same things you do. And yes, in extension, a turn-on. So it got me thinking, what traditionally female interests could a regular Joe be into that would get our hearts going pitter-patter for him? Listen up fellas, I'm about to give you 10.
DISCLAIMER: There are gross generalizations about what men and women like ahead. That's part of the fun, just go with it.
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10. Soap Operas
When I was little, my mom always told me not to bother my grandmother during her "stories." Every day, like clockwork, she'd sit down with her coffee and peppermint candies from 1-4 p.m., and I would sit and play on the floor by myself. Maybe I was being subliminally programmed while I was being baby-sat because, little did I know, 20 years later I'd be sucked into the everyday lives of melodramatic people in fictional towns. Either way, I've seen far too many shocking deaths and affairs for someone so young. But I noticed something odd over the last few years. Guys know about soaps. They know because they were forced to sit through them with their own grandmothers/mothers when they were young. They can tell you all about Pine Valley or Luke and Laura, and it shocks the hell out of me every time I find a new one. If a dude can debate who Sonny Corinthos' soul mate should be, that's kinda hot. And for the record, it's Brenda.
9. Pocketbooks
Clutch, purse, mini-suitcase. Whatever you call it, what is it with women and pocketbooks? I have at least 10 in my closet that I don't use anymore, but I never throw them out. What if I need that one to go with that perfect dress?! I get anxiety just thinking about it. Truth be told, I'm not as obsessed with bags like some ladies are, neither do I carry around my entire life in one. In fact, it's almost dangerous for a guy to delve into a woman's handbag, like that scene in The Breakfast Club with Ally Sheedy. So what if the man was the one with the pocketbook instead? At 44 seconds into the Seinfeld clip above, you'll see the amazing advantages to having a man with a purse. I'm sorry, "European Carryall." I went out last night with only my ID, money and keys, and I'll be damned if it wasn't the most liberated I've ever felt. My new goal is to date a guy with a man purse. One that I've purchased for him, of course.
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8. Shopping
Speaking of shopping, wouldn't you just love to go? Like, right now? Shopping can become a dangerous addiction to some ladies, but mostly we just want new stuff. Or to make ourselves feel better. Or to overcome boredom. Or because we have absolutely nothing to wear. Granted, sometimes shopping for clothes is a must--I've got a giant hole in my favorite khakis that prove that. But how many times have you been at the mall and seen a girl with her boyfriend dragging 5 feet behind her carrying about 20 bags? I always feel bad for those guys, but I never quite understood the torture of it all. I'd kill to have a guy go shopping with me and actually want to be there. Women normally shop with a friend so they can get a second opinion, but what we'd really like is the opinion of the guy we're already trying to impress. Is that so much to ask for?
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7. Knitting
Honestly, I never got into the whole knitting thing, but I know it's huge with the ladies. I have a few friends who are really into it, some of them even have their own Etsy shops to sell their wares. I made a square once. You may look at something like Stitch 'N Bitch and think, 'Women don't want guys in their knitting circles because they want to talk about guys at their knitting circles,' but that doesn't mean a knowledge of purl stitches and felting will hurt you. I bet Sunday afternoon knit-offs could become popular with couples. And hey, if a guy can knit, it means he's good with his hands.
6. Cats
We don't want to become crazy cat ladies. Help us out a little by loving the little rascals too, would ya?
Comments
I still maintain that I can't stand going shopping with another person, and especially a man-friend of any sort.
Posted 03/02/2010 at 06:35:47 AMNow, a guy who's into Jane Austen? Why do you taunt my poor heart with the hope of things that might never be? WHY?
Posted 03/02/2010 at 06:41:19 AMAgreed, Susan. I hate having someone around to supervise/judge/give advice/be nosy while I shop. Just let me buy what I want!
Posted 03/02/2010 at 07:13:36 AMI prefer shopping alone as well.
Oh, and btw, it's CARLY, not Brenda. Brenda is SO 1990s *sniff*
Posted 03/02/2010 at 07:17:16 AMI've had conversations about Days of Our Lives with guy friends that would make Kevin Smith blush. Just sayin'. We're out there.
Also, for the record: I saw Love Actually and Bridget Jones in the theater (when released in the US), by myself and I own both on DVD.
Posted 03/02/2010 at 07:22:36 AMI dream of a man who will get excited about swedish fish being added to the office vending machine and then raving about it to me, mostly because that is exactly the sort of thing I would talk endlessly about for a few days.
Posted 03/02/2010 at 07:27:31 AMKnitting and cats are out.
I like primetime soaps. One Tree Hill is one of my favorite shows of all time. And romcoms are fine when they're funny. If Meg Ryan's in it, I'm sleeping through it.
Speaking personally, I like shopping, but the main reason I don't like shopping with women is that %99 of them treat you like a robot. You're there to hold their junk and keep your mouth shut. Next time, try involving your dude. Ask his opinion.
In the history of mankind, no man has EVER gotten a girlfriend by crying in front of her. That isn't to say that it's not okay to cry. But it's hardly a turn on when you've only known someone a few weeks.
As for talking, men talk about a lot of things. But women don't care what men think as much as you let on. Most women want you to talk about what THEY want to talk about.
Posted 03/02/2010 at 10:41:35 AM*falls out in cackling* BAWLING. I'm sure that there are very, VERY few men who would say that they're not into all-out balling.
But this list is a lot of fun. The only one on the list that actually is on mine too is crying - that quality or ability is a deal-breaker requirement of mine - but I do so love reading about these and have enjoyed imagining witnessing them in other couples. ;)
Posted 03/02/2010 at 10:49:49 AM10) Many of the distinguishing features of the soap opera have been co-opted by other genres.
8) Almost everyone likes to shop. Not everyone likes to shop for clothes, particularly when implicitly restricted to mall-style stores.
6) ICanHazCheezburger.com is proof that you have your wish. Lolcats have snark as a facade to excuse their cuteness and make it acceptable for consumption without the stigma of effeminacy. It's either that, or they're just funny; I forget.
2) I've never been led to believe that.
1) Lots of men like to talk. The stereotype you were looking for is "men don't listen."
Posted 03/02/2010 at 12:15:13 PMPro wrestling counts as a soap, right? It's serialized, melodramatic, and even if the storylines suck, we end up watching out of habit.
Actually, that also describes Smallville, doesn't it?
Posted 03/02/2010 at 12:26:40 PMYeah, I'd have to disagree with #1 as well. My last relationship ended due to a lack of communication - i.e. trying to get my then girlfriend to talk about anything was like pulling teeth towards the end.
Posted 03/02/2010 at 12:49:02 PM10. Soap Operas
When I was younger, I used to watch Days of our Lives. It was right about the time Marlena Evans Brady was being possessed by the devil. Great ploy to get that ten year old boy demograpghic. Plus I had a crush on my baby sitter who watched them.
I watch Gilmore Girls and Being Erica. In fact I turned my mother onto Gilmore Girl’s when it first aired.
9. Pocketbooks
While I dont understand what a pocketbook is, or how that translates into a man bag, I can say that I often dont have enough pockets for all my stuff. However, Fanny Packs did men a large disservice. I have been known to carry an over the shoulder briefcase bag.
8. Shopping
I love shopping with a woman, as long as she gives creedence to my thoughts or suggestions. Otherwise, what a bore.
7. Knitting
Since meeting women at bars has left me non plus, Im all for knitting circles.
6. Cats
Can’t ever budge on this one. I still say homeless people should be allowed to hunt stray cats in neighborhoods.
5. Crying
I find this occurs when something poetic occurs, or when I realize I’ve done something wrong and I’m fighting every natural inclination in my body to swallow my pride and man up and accept the error of my ways.
4. Jane Austen/Charlotte Brontë
Two words: Court Orders. Any kind of persistence or longing is met with paranoia and police intervention. You shot yourselves in the foot with that one ladies!
3. Weird soap/scented candles/loofahs
I have a female room mate, it’s often easier to use her stuff than it is to pick up my own. Besides, if women dig those scents, it made sense to me that if a guy were to smell like that… well, women also love cute little things like ipods/puppies/kittens/trinkets, but that backfires in the bedroom.
2. Romantic comedies
I have seen When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless In Seattle, and While You Were Sleeping at least 12 times each!
1. Talking
I once sat atop a cliff in my car under the stars from midnight to 11 am, just talking and laughing. She was laying down with her legs over my lap, and would occasionally bring her feet in to give me a sort of leg hug. Bullseye!
Posted 03/02/2010 at 12:49:07 PMI'm man enough to admit that I used to, and do occasionally still, watch General Hospital. And, yes, it's Brenda. (But Carly - we're talking Sarah Brown, now - was really pretty good, too)
Posted 03/02/2010 at 01:47:16 PMCongrats, David LeVack. You've managed somehow to be both a complete moron *and* a total douche. Your parents must be so proud.
Posted 03/02/2010 at 04:09:18 PMI remember watching General Hospital in grade school (back when John Stamos was on) with my grandmother. Good times. As for guys not liking rom-com's (a term that I prefer to chick flick's), I don't need Seth Rogen in it to go to one. I'll admit that I recently saw "Valentine's Day" (yes, willingly and no, I don't recommend it) and was just as excited to see it as I was "Wolfman." And I'm with David on "Gilmore Girls." Man, I get so much crap from my guy AND girl friends for LOVING that show. Yes, I own all the DVD's, so what! I gotta say that the rhythm in the writing is great and getting actors to perform that dialogue, well, it takes talent.
Posted 03/02/2010 at 04:10:40 PMOf that list I only like cats. I'd rather have a guy or girl for that matter who knows a lot about video and sound editing, that's attractive.
Posted 03/03/2010 at 01:48:46 AMPeople who don't like cats don't like themselves.
Harrumph.
Posted 03/03/2010 at 08:50:11 AMAgreed, Kiala. There is something off about anyone who doesn't dig furry, lovable creatures of any kind.
Posted 03/03/2010 at 08:51:48 AMWell, as a writer of #2, and a Master of #1, I guess I'm mostly good to go. I do claim a fascination with GH, simply because I picked it up when it was cool to be a guy, and watch it :)
Posted 03/03/2010 at 10:34:40 AMI dunno, I've had a lot of female friends appreciate me coming shopping with them. All I have to do is remember that my job is to keep my mouth shut unless directly asked, carry everything & go fetch things when asked. (Meesa gonna makes good house elf some days! ;) )
Posted 03/03/2010 at 05:35:38 PMI for one can't stand any of these things. Especially Jane Austen. I certainly wouldn't want my boyfriend to like any of these either.
Posted 03/03/2010 at 10:22:43 PMAdri, don't think I won't throw down. Brenda + Sonny 4EVA
Rebelcomix, yeah crying on date one = fail.
Art, it's true, wrestling is so closely related to soaps it's not even funny. Besides the bad acting and drama, you can pick them back up whenever you want and figure out exactly what's going on after one episode.
Chris K., Sarah Brown is the ONLY Carly. You know she was back on GH for a while as another character but pretty much acting exactly like Carly. AND she got to be with Sonny. :)
Kiala, TRUTH.
Posted 03/03/2010 at 11:22:24 PMgreat choices. i had a guy cry in my arms once. I melted. To bad it was over another girl and i helped counsel him and get back with her! I should have been like a guy and taken advantage of him! ;)
Posted 03/03/2010 at 11:36:23 PM