So she looks great, but there are some disadvantages to dating a diva. Is she worth it?
By Madeline Murphy, Relationship Correspondent
High maintenance women are like high maintenance sports cars. They're lots of fun when you're out on the town together, but for every hour of showing off, there are another 10 spent on upkeep and repair behind the scenes. After hours of polishing the headlights in your garage, you might ask yourself -- is this really worth it, just for a couple of rides? Probably not, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider dating high maintenance women. Read on to learn how to identify these demanding gals, and the positives and negatives that go along with them.
Pro: She's a source of free style advice
This type of woman likes to be with a man who can match her
when it comes to looks and status. She never dates "down," if
you will. She will encourage you, or even buy things on her
own initiative, that she thinks will better
your appearance. She will give you constant advice on
grooming, whether it's about haircuts, which styles suit you,
or what the heck you should do with that facial hair. Left to
their own devices, some men end up looking like slobs or get
stuck in a style rut and never leave it. However, if you're
dating a high maintenance woman, she'll make it her mission to
make you as stylin' as she is.
Con: Free style advice = nagging
Occasional well-intentioned advice can be helpful. Constant
nagging about perceived flaws in one's appearance, on the
other hand, is extremely irritating. The downside of dating a
fashion maven is dealing with their critical nature. Maybe you
like those old jeans you've had since college, even if they
are getting a little ratty. Why should you stop wearing them
just because she turns her nose up every time she sees you in
them?
Pro: She's a challenge
For men who like to be challenged on a daily basis, the high
maintenance girl is the perfect choice. She likes attention, compliments
and fancy dinners, and she demands the best of all these
things. She will keep you on your toes, refusing any response
from you other than absolute respect.
Honesty tends to go part and parcel with this woman. She's
usually a straight shooter who's eager to let you know when
she's not pleased, which can be very refreshing for a change.
You will always know where you stand with her because she
makes her needs clear.
Con: She can't be satisfied
On the flip side, the high maintenance woman is like a
ravenous beast, always wanting more of everything. She will
find faults in all your best efforts, and honestly, some women
just aren't worth the bother.
Pro: She's sugar and spice and everything
nice
High maintenance often translates into a pleasant femininity
in straight women. They're not rough-and-ready, they can be a
little dependent, but they're also appreciative when you do
nice things for them. Men who like "girly girls" tend to go
for this type. At first, it's cute if she relies on you to
squash a spider for her or open a jar of pickles. Many men
enjoy playing the part of caretaker, which is the role they
are usually directed into when in the company of this type of
woman. If you like feeling needed and useful, this is the
perfect woman for you.
Con: She has Princess Syndrome
Just like all the other cons, this one is simply the previous
positive point taken to an unhealthy extreme. ber-effeminate
women are often victims of what can be called "Princess
Syndrome," or excessively precious behavior stemming from the
belief that they are somehow above certain tasks. Some high
maintenance women may just flatly refuse to shoulder their
share of the load. For example, I know one woman who always
makes her husband do all the yard work and mowing because she
is too "delicate" for it. Typically, they hate camping,
hiking, loud parties, and more. In other words, if you're
looking for an equal partnership, do not date these women.