OKay, so I've been hearing a lot about this Twilight and Edward Cullen fellow, and being a fan of Vampire mythology, it partially pisses me off that they have reduced it to such sissyness. But anyway, that's not the point here. There's apparently this hysteria about Edward Cullen, he's so dreamy from 14 year old teeny boppers all the way down to 30 and 40 year old women. And while there are men out there that treat their loves like princesses, it seems like no man can compare to this sissy vampire. While I haven't read the books and am resistant to taint my mind (maybe I'll do it just for research and understanding). So what makes this teenage (relative) vampire so special? The fact that he thirsts the blood of some chick but won't bleed her dry? Vampires are murderers, are over 100 years old, and will outlive you all, so aside from the age and factor, is it because they're bad boys? Do women enjoy dangerous men, or maybe it's the mix that he wants to smash her head in and drink her blood but won't do it because he "loves" her that makes the combination attractive? I saw a troubling statement on yahoo answers while researching this issue: "When Bella feels pain you can literally feel it too. & Edward, is just the best thing ever, it's not fair that he's not real. I wish he was, or at least that boys would read the book to learn how to be a real man." This makes no sense in itself as this individual fails to explain how he's "the best thing ever." This story is cliched and has been written and rewritten. Just rewatch Buffy or w/e else. Same story. I know some of you have most likely read this or know of this, so please answer me this, and I would like all sides those who love it, hate it and don't care of it. What makes this Cullen fellow so wanted that women "wish" men were like him. Are men not good enough the way we are and grow to be? Why is there a constant need to "change" us, and what makes this kid such a model to change men into. (And to add, men don't exactly see women as perfect either, we just don't open up that can of worms, we would change you to but you're great the way you are, and we can live with the flaws). Are there any valid reasons a guy should want to be like this? And just what features do men not have that women desire (and would be content with for a long time to come, not just some fairy tale temporary fix). If you want, make a list.
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I don't know about all of this vampire stuff, but here is what I think makes a real man:
-compassionate
1-easy to talk to -a good, active listener
-comforts you when you are upset
-talks about his feelings sometimes
-makes you feel like a princess sometimes
-complimentary in a sincere way
-is good with kids and animals
-cares about your needs in bed
-faithful and honest
-helps you to cook and clean
-is well groomed and cares about his appearance
-sweet! (and also sweet to your family and friends)
What makes a real man:
He's not a character from a young adult fantasy novel.
Why are women (not ALL women) so obsessed with this character? Because everyone likes to indulge in fantasy once in a while. And it's not limited to prince charming, ever imagine what you would do with a million dollars? That's why we read fiction or watch movies. We can live vicariously through them. But there is a line between recognizing what is real and what is fiction. If any woman ever told her husband, 'I wish you were more like Brad Pitt when he was in that movie (I can't think of a good example but you get the point)' She would have more problems than her husband.
I can make a list of qualities I appreciate in guys, but I think this is really more of a rant about a crappy teen vampire movie than about what women really want...
Anyway... my point was... Don't take love advice from a fantasy story or 14 year-old girls.
2Okay I'll admit I was the poster, and it did have a little hint of ranting to it, lol, but I'm serious. I know everyone wants to indulge in fantasy once in awhile, that's agreeable. But how far is exactly too far? Dark novels which characters such as these have been around for a long long time, but besides that, what makes this one particular character so special that women now realize they want a man (boy) like this? But anyway, the main point of my post, since a majority of women make up this site, was to find out what core feature women like in their version of a perfect guy (but more so a "real" realistic man). [I'm not looking for advice from this love novel tho, hahaha, I'm already secure in who I am...I just may write a paper and use this as a source of research].
3Just read the book so none of us have to summarize him for you.
I used to roll my eyes too, but now I'm an Edward junkie like the rest of them.
I think the teenage girls flock to the idea of Edward because he portrays a man that offers unwavering love & devotion, and builds his life around protecting his other half, even at the expense of his own safety. Remember the boyfriends of your youth? They didn't exactly embody these characteristics. I think teenage girls have reached this level of obsession with his character because they don't know how good it gets when you finally get to try dating as an adult =)
At the same time, the novel perfectly plays out the teenage infatuation with a practiced ease -- while this is painfully obvious, teenage girls are completely oblivious, naturally, because it's perfectly "normal" to their own psyche. The rest of us grew out of falling in love with prince charming at first sight a long time ago.
Meyer did a great job with her characters and story-line. The writing is very plain, but she may have just been catering to her target audience. The novel is definitely worth reading, if only to see what all the fuss is about. The idea that it will somehow "taint" your mind is nearly as ridiculous as your attempt to find flaws in the plot and its characters without having turned a single page of the book.
It's a good story. Relax and enjoy it.
4Maybe I'm scared I'll fall in love with him too
5Well, at least he'll always be right there, on your bookshelf =) I mean, he won't send you flowers, but he'll never leave you!
6LoL. I think this Stephanie Meyer needs to make an opposite version of Twilight for guys. The perfect woman
.
7all this Twilight talk really makes me want to read the book! I always rolled my eyes about this whole twilight craze and just had no interest in it...but now do! I agree with gscott86...maybe im scared i'll be infatuated w him too lol
8I was obsessed with the Harry Potter books when they were out. I was finished college and working at my "real" job when the last book came out. I pre-bought it 6mths in advance and showed up at midnight to get my book. Totally obsessed. When I heard about this Twilight stuff being the new Harry Potter I was completely turned off by it. I figured it was meant for way younger girls and I was always annoyed by Vampires anyways etc etc but I read this post yesterday and just happened to be walking through Walmart when I saw the book Twilight... I bought it and started reading it while my boyfriend drove us home... I'm over halfway through the book and I completely understand the obsession with Edward Cullen now. He is gorgeous, dangerous, caring, addictive and exhilarating... reading the book makes me wish I was back in highschool feeling those first pangs of love and infatuation. The excitement you feel when you know that special someone will be around, that naughty kiss in the dark after a moonlit walk.Twilight makes me crave the excitement of a new relationship and all of those exciting firsts.
I havent finished the book yet but I already know I'll be obsessed with the series. A few things in the story bothers me like... it was too easy to get Edward to tell his truths because I dont think it would happen quite so fast but that is minuscule.
They are excellent books and the author has thought out her ideas fully. Wonderful wonderful writing... scott, it's worth the read.. well.. at least it's worth it if you're turned on by sexy badboys.
9A real man doesn't use his fists or strength to define himself as such. A man should have the following qualities to be classified as a real man.
A real man treats everyone with respect. A real man doesn't abuse a woman physically or mentally. Same goes with treatment of children and animals. A real man doesn't need to prove himself by bullying.
A real man keeps himself well-groomed and physically fit. A real man keeps his hair neat and nails trimmed. A real man also stays in good physical shape.
A real man makes his own fortune. A real man does not accept handouts or charity. He works hard to support himself and his family. If family money comes to him, a real man finds a way to increase that fortune not squander it.
A real man stays true to his word. A real man knows that keeping a promise is stronger than physical strength. Keep your word in all matters, business and personal. You will gain the respect a real man warrants.
A real man shows his emotions. Most studies show women think a man who can as easily cry as laugh and is not afraid to show his emotions not only to her but to the world classifies a man as a real man.
A real man helps with housework. A real man is not afraid to do laundry or dishes, change a diaper or run a vacuum cleaner.
10I think the appeal of this story is the love between Bella and Edward.
The vampire aspect creates mystery, fear and isolation with the Cullens. But, Bella and Edward confide in each other and accept each other, flaws and all. He adores and protects her...he is strong and sensitive. I think the lines at the end of the movie express it all. Bella wants to be with him forever and does not want to lose him...the unconditional love and companionship is the appeal of this story. Bella, in the book, is accepted as a member of the family and Edward states 'you are my life now'
I think, vampire or not, this is something universally desired...so, I think, to focus on the vampire aspect, is missing the point. It just heightens the risk and intrigue.
11stargazing, your list of ideals is spot on! I completely agree.
12I read this and find that many other posters have posted what makes a man 'a real man.'
I'd like to add to the aspect of Twilight though. There's that the 'romance,' and of course, many teenagers (or older) find it very appealing that beside Edward being this awesomely handsome mysterious strong sensitive loving vampire...it's like...Bella is his soulmate. I guess, the 'soul mate' aspect of it, imagine Edward's been living for like 100 something year and he's not in love...until Bella!! How SPECIAL that makes her, who's in the book supposedly depicted like an ordinary girl. See, I guess a lot of girls (or older) can relate themselves or put themselves in Bella's shoes, and it's such a wonderful fantasy to be the 'ONE' for this very appealing vampire.
Then again,the sad part is, in real life, if the gal doesn't find the guy attractive or appealing to her, no matter how much sacrifices the loving guy made for her, and all the efforts he shows to show , she might find him either repulsive (like a stalker) or just her 'good friend.' So real life is weird...Naw. It is what it is.
13Well I dont know what it takes to make a real man, but I do know what the perfect guy like Edward is:
The perfect guy would call her every few hours when he is away from her to see how she is doing
He would tell her she's gorgeous in front of her guy friends. He also would call her beautiful instead of hot, and he wouldn't be afraid to hold her hand in front of his friends
He would stay on the phone with her even if she has nothing to say and call back after she hangs up because she is mad at him
He would tease her, but let her tease back
He would stay up with her all night when she gets sick and stay up just to watch her sleep
He would watch her favorite movie with her, even though he hates it, and not say how much he didn't like it.
He wouldn't wipe his mouth after he kissed her and he would kiss her forehead
He would give her all his time, even if it meant missing somthing really important, or bring her with him if he couldn't miss it.
He would kiss her in the pouring rain
When she runs up to him crying, the first thing he says is, "Who's ass am I beating today love?"
He would remind you constanly of how much he loves you and cares about you. He wouldn't be afraid to admit that he could never live without her.
When he thinks she isn't looking, he turns to his friends and says, "That's her."
This is what I think the perfect guy would be like. Notice that there are some characteristics of Edward. I love Edward so much! I can't even read another book.... I tried to read The Host, but I never seemed to get around to reading the rest of the first chapter and the rest of the book.OOOPPS.
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