9 men to date before you marry

MANY experts believe that before you can identify ‘Mr Right’ you have to first know who ‘Mr Wrong’ is, as this will help you know exactly what you want when you finally decide to settle down. This experimenting should also help you to enjoy your marriage without looking back at what could have been with someone else.

“We are not saying that women should sleep with all of these men, we are saying you should go out with them and get to know the type of person who comes with a certain package,” said 37-year-old Samantha C, who has been married for 11 years.

“I have friends who regret getting married because they feel if they had settled with X person instead of their husbands, their lives would be better. So I believe you need to know who is who in order to enjoy your marriage and in order to prevent lusting.”

Counsellor David Anderson said experimenting doesn’t necessarily mean forming serious bonds with each person, but knowing what each type of person brings to the table.

“Then you will be able to separate the wheat from the chaff,” he said.

So who are some of the men you should date before you get married?

1. The bad boy

Many women are attracted to the ‘bad boy’ type as they feel the need to be protected while also loving the challenge and the hope of changing them.

“He makes her feel very special and she is fascinated by him, and she feels needed,” psychologist Dr Leahcim Semaj explained. “She will try to change him because no matter how bad a man is, there are women who will feel they can turn them around. The woman feels that once he experiences her, he can’t go back.”

So instead of sitting back and wondering if this is the man for you, date him and see just how far you are willing to go, and you may just realise that the bad boy isn’t for you after all.

2. The unemployed

He may not have steady income, but is quite willing to cook, clean, wash and care for your every other need. Many women swear they wouldn’t mind this type of relationship, and so from this guy you may learn to survive on nothing — or not!

3. The entertainer

Many women love to be in the limelight and an entertainer provides just that, even with the groupies. From this guy you will learn whether or not you love life in the fast lane or if you are the laid back, easygoing, behind the scenes type.

4. The mama’s boy

They are out there, and yes they need love too, and not just from their mamas. The only trouble there, is that you will never be his number one — his mama will! Date this guy and you will discover whether you’re willing to play second fiddle, or not.

5. The athlete/body builder

He is all about fitness, health and having a superb body. In fact, he turns you on just by looking at him. His Asafa body is one you want to show off to your friends and have them gawk, but he may be more looks than brains and possibly cannot hold a conversation. Date this guy to get rid of your lustful feelings for Adonis bodies.

6. The workaholic

He is all about work, work and more work, so much so that you literally have to make an appointment in order to get a date with him. And he tells you plainly that it’s his job that comes first since it pays the bills. Date this guy who will let you appreciate the wonders of just living life by the seat of your pants, rather than tied to a desk. He will teach you not to focus so much on the material things in life.

7. The intellectual

Being intelligent is good, great in fact! Imagine this guy who will whisper sweet Plato-isms in your ear, and who will quote Shakespeare at the drop of a hat. He will engage your mind and the promise of intelligent kids will make you not want to settle for someone less learned when you eventually move on.

8. The rotten rich

He pays all your bills and ensures you are well taken care of financially. He will fly you to Paris and take you to the most expensive restaurants. Date this guy who will show you the world, and who will teach you the importance of not settling, as there is a world of wonder to be seen and experienced.

9. The too-nice guy

Every woman wants one — the nice guy who is so wonderful he would do just about anything for you. He doesn’t argue with you about anything and allows you to have everything your way. Date this guy, who will show you that you must avoid extremes. Chances are if he’s too nice he will be a pushover too, and dating him will make you see the importance of finding balance.