Why are Women Attracted to Bad Boys?

If you're like me and many of my female friends, you're probably into the "Bad Boy". When I think of the BB, I think mysterious, charming, plays by his own rules, and he just doesn't give a damn. I would not mind being Harley Quinn to his Joker, or Bonnie to his Clyde.

But why?

Why do these bad boys, who are clearly no good for us, make us swoon? Harley Quinn could have gone on to become a prominent psychiatrist if she hadn't become obsessed with the Joker. There was a great poet within Bonnie Parker which could have taken her far had she not fallen in love with Clyde Barrow. Researchers suggest that BBs consist of qualities that are associated with what we call the Dark Triad. The Dark Triad consists of three personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy and machiavellianism. Traits of narcissism include dominance, an inflated view of the self and a sense of entitlement. Those who display psychopathy are individuals who lack empathy and are anti-social, but are able to turn on superficial charm. Finally, machiavellianism is marked by insincerity and extraversion. These all sound like terrible traits yet studies have shown that women are attracted to these characteristics.

This could be a result of sexual selection. Through evolution, females are likely to be attracted to those who will ensure survival of herself and her offsprings. Therefore, she will only find favour in those who display characteristics that would protect and take care of her. This is where the Dark Triad comes into play. Narcissists are naturally dominant and have a sense of entitlement, therefore are more likely to acquire resources (money, property, status). Those with psychopathic traits have superficial charm. They know how to manipulate and feed on your weaknesses to get what they want. Again, this makes it very easy for them to acquire those resources that are important for survival. The same can be said for traits of machiavellianism where these extroverts are able to deceive, exploit and manipulate others to achieve their goals. Are you seeing a pattern here?

Again, our reptilian brain presents itself in our modern world. Even though women of today have their own careers, identities, money, property, opinions, etc etc., they can still be attracted to BBs because our primitive brains are wired that way. It is important to highlight, however, that BBs may be attractive, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they make great life partners. I don't anticipate women in BB relationships to be treated fairly or with respect. Those who have traits of the Dark Triad are usually out for themselves, they have little to no interest in your needs. 

So although bad boys are yummy and make us feel a type of way, they are no good for us - at least in the long term. You're better off finding a nice guy who can still help you acquire those resources, but through respect and equality. Isn't that better than a Bad Boy?