We express it differently, but men can get just as nervous about our initial attraction to a woman as women get over men. Our machismo sometimes gets in the way of our expressing how we really feel, but we go through the same range of feelings and emotions, and we can become just as emotionally and psychologically disoriented. But, similarities aside, men and women view our attractions differently, and many times, we become attracted for all the wrong reasons.

Macho men have an innate fear of relationships. We love to make love, but falling in love is a whole different matter. Regardless of how we feel, we have been conditioned to give our best Rhett Butler impression ("Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn"), which serves as a cover of fortitude when we think our hearts might take a tumble.

As men, we're conditioned not to turn into blubber when we're smitten. Our insides may be churning, but on the exterior, we're as cool as cucumbers. It is our responsibility to other men to be that way. We are men, and such a small thing as emotions can't get in the way of maintaining our presence in front of other men. But we do fall, and just like with women, many times, it's for the wrong person.

Yes, there really are differences between how men and women handle being attracted to one another. It's OK for a woman to blush, but it's never OK for a guy. Just as it's OK for a guy to pursue, but that's taboo for a woman. But, let's make no mistake about it, it's always the woman who's in control, whether she knows it or not.

As men, many of our perceptions of how to woo women comes from the media. Clark Gable's portrayal of Rhett Butler in "Gone With The Wind" gave us one of our first visual prototypes of the man's "man". And every male role model, both on and off screen, has borrowed something from Rhett's manly persona.

But men and women also see Rhett Butler differently. Women see him as handsome and dashing, with an infusion of "bad boy", but just enough to turn them on. His love and devotion for his child made him sexy, and he spoiled the women he loved with lavish gifts.

Men see him as a slick con man. A gambler, brawler, and womanizer who's greatest virtue was that he lived life on his own terms. He fought, not for the sake of integrity, but for financial gain, and his cool demeanor and swagger gave the impression that few things bothered him. He was in essence, a charming scoundrel. A rogue with etiquette.

The forces of attraction are no different

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