Another question as old as the world: Why are women
attracted to “bad” boys? We finally have an answer. It may or
may not be definitive. For that, we need a better understanding
of the mysterious sex. Of course, even then, absolute certitude
is not possible. (That, needless to say, is applicable to all
questions raised in this article!)

While I have injected a tad of humor at the beginning of
this section, the phenomenon I’ll be discussing is a terrifying
one. I’ll first outline the matter and give examples, I’ll then
provide an explanation based on evolutionary psychology.

Playing with fire

Most women are attracted to the “rough” type of men. (To a
much lesser extent, this phenomenon is also true for men). The
majority of women recognize the danger and do not come too close
to the flames. Some women, however, are unwilling, or perhaps
unable, to stay away from the danger. And like the proverbial
moth, they get burned. This situation creates a major social
issue: The abused women. (Some women are abused by men who
appeared as “good” guys. Their malevolent nature is revealed
later on. This is a different social problem which is not
addressed here).

The authorities at the social, enforcement, and justice
levels have their hands full with domestic problems caused by
unwise relationships. I had the opportunity to see in the
newspapers the pictures of some of these men who went on to abuse
women. Some of them are so scary, if I were to encounter them on
the sidewalk, I would cross the street! And yet, some women will
live with them because they find them exciting. The very thought
is terrifying. Do not conclude that this is the lot of
uneducated women only. Some are well-educated and cannot hide
behind their ignorance.

In Ottawa, in 1995, a university-educated woman, a free-
lance journalist, started a relationship with a man who had been
in prison for killing another woman! How could she take such a
risk? According to her, he has “reformed.” They lived together
for a few months. One day she disappeared. Her body would later
on be found in the woods. After a long trial, the man was
convicted with murder and given a life sentence.

Women having a relationship with an inmate

If you go on Google and enter the above statement, you will
get plenty of examples of such women.

I selected an article which attempts to explain why women
marry prisoners. A variety of comments (on the article) follow.

You are provided with the source, if you wish to read the
complete article and accompanying comments.

So what are some of the reasons provided in the article?

1. Because of the media coverage notorious convicts receive,
women may be finding it thrilling to connect with them.
Something akin to celebrity obsession.

2. A dangerous convict is perceived as strong and therefore
better able to protect her.

3. Many of these women suffer from a variety of
psychological problems. They are often depressed and have poor
self-esteem. Seeking someone who has even less than them make
them feel validated.

4. A lot of these women sincerely believe in the innocence
of these convicts. They have arrived at this conclusion after
following their case from the onset.

5. Some women may marry a convict (even if he is on Death
Row) because they feel sorry for him. As they see it, he should
not be left alone.

6. The conclusion (rightly or wrongly) by some women that
they cannot find love elsewhere.

7. It could be perceived as love without commitments or
responsibilities. She needs not deal with that person on a daily
basis. However, it is a “cold” love, and she is alone in bed
when she goes to sleep. Ultimately, it remains only a connection
between two minds; perhaps at this level it brings a measure of
succor to the parties.

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