I was particularly interested in what AJM said about how his female friend gives off a "certain vibe" that probably keeps men from approaching her. Antonia, beatrice, and kml does this apply to you too?
Hmmmm....good question. I don't think I do (although I probably did in my twenties and didn't know it). Men don't seem to have any problem approaching me these days (my current boyfriend picked me up when I was shopping in a discount store!).
Like you, though, I can be a bit too direct - and too self-sufficient. I think a lot of men like a woman to be more vulnerable - I need to remind myself that it's ok to let a guy see I might need his help sometimes.
Luckily, my first boyfriend after my ex left was a guy who LOVED smart women. (He had a slew of ex-girlfriends who were college professors, successful businesswomen etc.) He never ever made me feel like he was intimidated - it was refreshing.
