Hello,

I'm 34(F) and for a while I've been contemplating why my relationships don't work, and why dating is so difficult for me. I normally don't have a problem in attracting man, but maintaining it. I have reached the conclusion that I drive men away because I'm too tough. Like not so much physically (despite being also), but emotionally.

I've grew up my whole life listening that I needed to be sweet, and it was just so unatural to me. I've always being a bit on the pragmatic and direct sides. The way I demonstrate my love is more by standing by people in difficult situations (Like being in a hail storm together and not freaking out, or have a tire break mid trip, and help them to fix it), then by romantic gestures.

I am just reaching the conclusion that my qualities/characteristics are not valuable to men, and I kinda have to make a choice between being myself or finding a partner. That said, are there guys who are into more tough women? Is the sweet-girly-you're-my-universe thing really so damn important for everyone?