Guys Offer Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs in Dating

Dating, especially dating after divorce can feel like you’re in unfamiliar territory. It’s hard to recall what’s going on in the minds of the men you are now going on dates with. But honestly, dating and men probably haven’t changed much since the last time you were in the dating scene.

To help offer you some insight into what the men you’re dating after divorce are thinking, I polled a few thousand men on social media and asked them what their turn-ons and turn-offs are when it comes to dating after divorce.

Here’s what they had to say:

Turn-offs:

• • Whining
  • Being needy
  • Acting shady
  • Nagging
  • A sense of entitlement

• High maintenance
• Someone who thinks she is better than everyone
• Using sex to keep a man
• Closed minded
• Insecure
• Bad breath
• Bad teeth
• Signs of being unhealthy or unkept
• Liar
• Cheater
• Talking way too much about the same crap
• Smoking
• Materialistic
• negativity
• Not willing to compromise on anything
• Causing drama where none exists
• Nasty attitude and disposition

Turn-ons:

• • Little touches, and innocent grabbing of my arm or fingers
  • Good conversation
  • Brains

• • Sarcastic humor
  • Eyes
  • Playfulness
  • Being open to trying new things
  • High heels
  • Upbeat
  • Someone who works to keep her body fit
  • Driven
  • Kind
  • Well read
  • Has options
  • No makeup
  • Being herself
  • Not needy
  • Independent
  • Deep conversation
  • Open minded

• Confidence
• Vocal and say what they like in bed
• When a woman knows who she is and is proud of it
• A woman who is comfortable with her body, including naked-doesn’t matter if body isn’t perfect]
• I prefer plump and healthy versus skinny and unhealthy
• Intelligence
• The ability to debate and think critically and challenge the status quo
• A great smile is the best trait
• Just being genuine and interested
• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Being the true you
• A woman who is genuinely happy

What is notable is that there 10 more turns-ons on the list than turnoffs, which means to me, men really love and want to see the best in the women they date.

In closing, if you are new to dating after divorce, it’s great to remember these turn-ons and turn-offs, but it’s even more important to love yourself and be yourself. If you try to be anyone but you, that might be the biggest turn-off to the men you date. And, you are really depriving yourself of authentic happiness.

Like this article? Check out, “9 Signs of a Healthy Romantic Relationship”

Editor-in-chief: Jackie Pilossoph

Jackie Pilossoph is the Founder of Divorced Girl Smiling, the media company that connects people facing with divorce to trusted, vetted divorce professionals. Pilossoph is a former NBC affiliate television journalist and Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press features reporter. Her syndicated column, Love Essentially was published in the Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press and Tribune owned publications for 7 1/2 years. Pilossoph holds a Masters degree in journalism from Boston University. Learn more at: DivorcedGirlSmiling.com