"I don't trust men."

Is that still so 'in' to say?

"I'm afraid of getting hurt again."

Is that still so alluring a sentiment to harbour?

"Alone is good. You don't get hurt that way."

Yah, talk about angsty.

Seriously, what is it about a stupid damsel that lures men like bees to honey?

To be fair, a damsel-in-distress is fairly passé. It is now much more fashionable to be a fiercely independent woman who asserts that she is not a damsel-in-distress and then cleverly expose her vulnerablilites at opportune moments.

The predictable man will then proceed to melt and extend his primitive protection, whereupon the pseudo-damsel will pull herself up straight and look at him as though he has insulted her oh-so-fierce-independence.

THAT, of course, is calculated precisely to draw the fish closer to shore. And any direct confrontation of this covert trap--so irksome to those who know--will only serve up indignant puppy eyes.

Puppy Eyes will then choose
(1) ('suffering in') silence (which can be used to her best advantage--think along lines of 'magnanimity' and 'maturity' etc),
(2) complete ignorance of 'what are you talking about' (insert more puppy eyes), or
(3) self-righteous stance--complete with tossing of head.

I . Am . Sick . Of . ................................................. Gah!

Should I be more disgusted with these women, or men who fall hook, line, and sinker??

Gah. Pui.