The Man's Guide to Women: Scientifically Proven Secrets from the Love Lab About What Women Really Want

by John M. Gottman

A woman is exposed to hundreds of ads a day that tell her what her body is supposed to look like. Women rarely measure up to the ideal standard of beauty portrayed by the fashion and entertainment industries. Let her know she is beautiful exactly as she is. A woman’s relationship with her body is fragile, and even one “joke” or mean comment about her weight, size, or attractiveness can cut deeply. Heroes never criticize a woman’s body. Men can’t reverse the constant societal pressures to be thin and beautiful, but men can make any woman feel beautiful. Compliment her. Show her you adore and desire her just as she is. If a woman has a poor body image or believes you don’t find her attractive, she will not be comfortable with you sexually. YOU MIGHT BE A ZERO IF. . . You criticize a woman’s body. You check out other women when you are with her, or you comment on the body parts of another woman. You suggest that she go on a diet or start to exercise. You tell her she does in fact look fat in that outfit. The only correct response is, “You look beautiful in everything you wear.” You fail to make her feel desired, adored, or beautiful. You compare her looks to other women or past girlfriends. You treat her like a sexual object rather than a real person. Chapter 8 HER BODY IS A WONDERLAND An Anatomy Lesson i like my body when it is with your body. it is so quite new a thing. muscles better and nerves more. —e. e. cummings PASSION BEGINS IN the mind. When a woman feels passionate...