There is an interesting post up over at the Jade Talks blog which discusses the idea that it is hardwired into women that they are seeking a man who is a strong mate. The post says that there are two types of such men – "the bad boy" and the "protective nurturer" and it suggests that men who participate in online dating should find a way to create a profile that displays "the electric contrast" showing off both of these sides.

A few years ago, I would have balked at a post like this. I've always been an independent woman who grew up in a time when Feminism was a fact. And I've always been perfectly capable of taking care of myself. But I noticed this post specifically because it's a topic that came up in conversation with an ex recently, a conversation in which he said basically the same thing as the post and I more or less agreed with him.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a girl that's comfortable on my own and I've never much liked men who tried too hard to take care of me. But what my ex said was that no woman wants a wimp. And I have to admit that there's some truth to that. For me, it's not so much that I want a partner that can take care of me – but I definitely want a partner that can take care of himself! And when engaging in online dating, I definitely tend to look for clues that this is a guy who is able to stand on his own two feet without a mother or a nagging wife at his side.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that I think men should work on profiles that show off their "bad boy" characteristics or that excessively highlight their ability to provide for a family. However, I do think that a good online profile – for men or women – shows that even if you're looking for a partner, you're okay on your own.

• Seen that? - The $ingle Dollar Industry; $1.6 Trillion Strong
• The $ingle Dollar Industry; $1.6 Trillion Strong
• Making Your Man Happy
• Love Growing Strong On Web