Being a dating coach, I hear all about the kind of men women want to date. Most have very specific criteria. Often women know exactly what they are looking for including energy level, activities and interests, and economic status.

Do you know the kind of man you want to date? Think about it right now - the personality qualities you must have in a romantic partner. He could be charming, intelligent, affectionate, healthy, active, respectful, enjoy culture, be confident and independent?

This is a common thread among the vast majority of my dating coaching clients. What surprised me is that women tend todescribe a mirror image of themselves! Does that surprise you? Would a man who is similar to your own personality really be a good match?

Whatever happened to opposites attract? What about someone with different interests who could broaden your life experience by sharing with you? What if the guy you are seeking is willing to do the activities you like sometimes if you join him in his favorites?

Let’s get real. If you are looking for a mirror image of yourself, you are dramatically narrowing your options. Expecting a man to be just like you or even like one of your girlfriends is setting an incredibly unrealistic standard. It's a rare man who is going to act like your girlfriend and if he exhibits these qualities, is that a man you want to be with? Will he have enough masculinity to satisfy your needs in a partner?

I doubt it. The right man will likely never resemble you or one of your girlfriends for one simple reason. HE IS NOT FEMALE. He is a MAN. And men are not like your girlfriends (unless they are gay and then they might be.)

Some similarities and cross-overs of interests would be great of course. But of the couples you know – do you often see two introverts together or two social butterflies? Not usually. One person is more reserved and the other is more outgoing. And that is just one example of the differences you might encounter. Some opposition is required to create magic and spark interest. That is part of the master plan.

Do you want a man to manly about his life choices, his willingness to step up to the plate in a challenging situation, or to ever take the lead so you can rest? Then you'll need a real man, not a surrogate girlfriend. Or you could attract a man with a lot of feminine energy who is looking for a strong woman to take charge and care of him. And if that's what you want, that's totally up to you and perfectly fine.

Here’s the point– think about who you want as a partner. What characteristics do you really need? What will help you be compatible and get along well? What will make things fun and interesting?

When you are realistic and acquire a taste for new qualities, it will not only make it easier to find a guy, but you are likely to find a good match a lot faster.

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By Ronnie Ann Ryan

Ronnie Ann Ryan woke up on her 40th birthday and realized she might be single for the rest of her life. It was at that moment she decided to turn things around. After dating 30 men in 15 months, she met her husband Paul. And then she knew that if she could do it – others could too – which was why she became a Dating Coach and founded It’s Never Too Late for Love.  Her mission is to share her knowledge and advice on dating with everyone who wants it and is ready to find love.

Her book, MANifesting Mr. Right: It’s Never Too Late to Find the Love You Want has received high praise and is treasured by many as one of the best guidebooks on dating. In it, Ronnie provides the dating tips and strategies that lead her and over 1,000 others to jumpstart or accelerate their search for love. (Check out the right hand side bar to get your copy.) She has been interviewed by Sally Jesse Raphael, appeared on NBC News, Fox News, and ABC’s Chronicle in Boston, MSN.com, MORE.com and many other features in newspaper, magazine and web articles in the US and internationally.

In addition, Ms. Ryan, MBA, CCC, is a Certified Coach, marketing consultant, and writer. She is a speaker and workshop leader who focuses on marketing topics and personal development, and classes for Adult Education programs around New England. Ronnie presents highly effective programs packed with tools that really work with an energetic and humorous style that captivates audiences.

Ronnie has worked in Marketing for 20+ years with Fortune 500 companies, agencies, small businesses, and individuals to develop strategies and implement programs. Ms. Ryan holds an MBA from Northeastern University, a BA from the University of Connecticut , was certified as a Coach (CCC) by Comprehensive Coaching University, and earned her coaching certificate from Coaches Training Institute. She spent seven years in marketing at General Foods (Kraft Foods) and has been consulting since 1990.

Ronnie has multiple websites including:

www.DatingforKeepsExpo.com  ; www.MANifestingMrRight.com ; www.NeverTooLate.biz ;

She can be reached at: 203-877-3777.

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