The saying, nice guys finish last, has been a topic of conversation between friends, partners, colleagues and even doctors, for as long as anyone can remember. And after all these years, no one can seem to come up with a clear understanding for the reasoning behind it. Well, ladies and gentlemen, keep reading and you will find the simple explanation to this complicated question.

Background:

It all comes down to how the brain works. Women have a brain like spaghetti. It's all over the place and intertwined, but we put up with the mess because it's pasta, and pasta is amazing (mmm, carbs). On the other hand, men have a brain like a waffle. Each and every thing has a specific compartment with a specific reason behind it, and you can only fill each square with so much syrup before it overflows. This is why men cannot understand women, and vice versa. How can the rational comprehend the irrational? You see, when you lay it out it's not so complex anymore.

Big question:

How does the brain influence this highly debated issue? As shown clearly in the background notes, I wanted to make it simple. The male species will never fully understand the female kind. We are, oh, so confusing but that's what makes us fun. After talking to my fellow girlfriends, I have come up with a couple common themes that will give you a peek into the reasoning of why women drift toward the bad boys, and brush off the nice ones (you're welcome in advance).

Theme #1: The challenge

Women are headstrong. If we want something, we do everything in our power to obtain it. Sure, it's fun sometimes to receive without having to put in much effort, but over time that becomes boring. And who wants to live a boring life? No one! This is one reason why nice guys fall short in a women's mind. You (nice guys) make things too easy. The more we (females) work for things, the more we appreciate them when they are ours. So, men, let us work for you! Just because the girl is a 10, doesn't give you the excuse to become putty in her hands. A relationship works best when both parties are participating equally; it's like tug of war. Equal strength and effort is needed from both sides in order to not fall over and make a mess. So, men, still be a gentleman. Don't become the jerk who never calls back and has an "I'm better than you attitude." Learn how to let the woman know you won't be easy.

Theme #2: The independence

Women have been exercising their independence since 1848 -- more than 100 years ago. There is no way we are going to turn away from the moral of our ancestors and become the submissive women our great-great-great-great grandmothers had to be. Our time is now, and we don't want any stragglers on board our ship to success. We need our man to be competent. He needs to have his own friends, his own hobbies, and his own favorites, but of course there needs to be room to coexist. Learning the balance of coexisting is essential in a healthy relationship. Like the saying goes, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Neither party should be a tree the other hangs onto like a sloth. So, men, let your girl know you can stand on your own two feet, and while she is a priority (number one, please) she is not your only one.

Theme #3: The confidence

Women face major confidence issues in the modern day society we live in. Women need a man who is already confident in who he is. We lose desire for a man when he seems unsure of himself, or his actions. Self-assurance is the quality that "bad boys" are best at. The way they talk, walk and present themselves shows us they know what they are doing and what they want. Like many have said before me, confidence is key -- and, possibly, the biggest turn on. So men, if you want to hold our hand, hold it! If you want to make the first move, do it before we do! If you want to shout those three little words from the roof top, we're listening. Don't be afraid. Be like Nike.