I had to wonder, 'What does 'damaged' mean? I have to assume that to my reader, "damaged" means divorced or someone who has most likely suffered a bad breakup, only because why else would she be reaching out to DIVORCED Girl Smiling?
What would make her refer to these men as damaged? I'm thinking it's most likely because the exhibit behavior that makes it difficult to sustain a healthy romantic relationship. Possibilities that come to mind include substance abuse, cheating, emotional abuse, depression, bitterness, and fear of commitment. Kind of makes sense, right?
So, I started to think, why would she (or any woman) attract damaged men? By the way, this all applies to women, as well. In other words, women can be damaged, too.
Here are six potential reasons why you might be attracting damaged men (or women):
1. Low self-esteem. In my opinion, people with low self-esteem, who don't think they can attract someone better than a person exhibiting these bad behaviors tend to go after damaged men (or women.)
2. You don't want to be alone. Some people can't stand not being in a relationship. They view being single as lonely and sad. (Which is my theory for people who rush into second marriages). And so, they settle for someone they know isn't right, because in their mind, it's better than not having someone.
3. You don't like or love yourself. A lack of self-love almost always leads to people dating men (or women) who aren't right for them. Maybe they are even punishing themselves by going after people who don't treat them well or make them happy.
4. You subconsciously don't want to be involved with anyone. People who don't want to be in a relationship will often go after men (or women) they know they aren't ending up with because it's safe. Maybe they get involved with someone who is much younger or much older, or someone just out of a long-term relationship, or someone of a different cultural background, because it's safe. Or, they attract a big drinker, and they continue to date him for a long time because in their mind, they are saying "this guy is great to date, but I would never marry someone who drinks this much." So, if there's no way it's going to turn into a marriage, and in their mind, they don't want marriage, that works out perfectly.
5. Isn't every man (and woman) damaged in a way? I'll come right out and say it. I'm damaged. That doesn't make me a bad person, or a person who can't have a successful relationship in the future. But let's call a spade a spade. A divorced person (and really, anyone who is older and who has lived a life) is in a way, damaged.
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