Dr. Shambhavi Pandey
2 min readAug 16, 2023
Unraveling the Appeal of 'Bad Boys'

The Allure of "Bad Boys" or Villains

Why does a portion of our generation find themselves drawn to "bad boys"? It's a sentiment I've encountered, often expressed through phrases like, "A hero may sacrifice you to save the world, while a villain may sacrifice the world to save you."

A recurring theme emerges from numerous genres—mythology, romance, fiction, and beyond. People who lack self-love and personal boundaries sometimes wound those they claim to cherish the most. Ironically, these individuals often don the label of "heroes."

I recall an instance from the Mahabharata: Yudhishthir's response when questioned about using Draupadi as bait. He deemed her his possession, and the assembly muted their objections, citing *Dharma*, as Draupadi's dignity was violated.

Throughout history, tales have echoed of valiant figures aspiring to save the world or perform noble acts for others. Yet, paradoxically, their actions have wounded those closest to them. The world hails them as heroes, yet what is the true cost?

Returning to the earlier statement, a poignant question surfaces: Are these women attracted to "bad boys" or villains, or are they seeking partners who won't sacrifice their dignity for the sake of heroism?

This begs the larger question: Can one be deemed a genuine hero when their choices neglect the needs or minimum expectations of their loved ones?

In contemplation of these ideas, I've observed:

1. Those who lay claim to heroism often place everyone above themselves, but should their beloved also not be prioritized? (Read on for insight.)

2. Innately, humans tend to incorporate loved ones into their identity.

3. How they treat themselves tends to extend to their partners, as they are a part of them. This implies that love for one's partner might not translate into consideration when making ostensibly heroic decisions. (Thus, lovers are often excluded.)

4. Those who prioritize their own needs risk being labeled as selfish, potentially sliding into villainy. Many struggle with boundaries to avoid appearing anything less than selfless heroes.

5. It is time to reconsider the qualities attributed to heroes.

I acknowledge and respect your unique attractions and preferences. Your choices are personal, and my intent is not to dictate.

Yet, permit me to offer a friendly piece of guidance: Integrate self-care, self-love, and healthy boundaries into your life. These essentials should rank high on your list to foster healthy relationships. In our modern era, these are not mere options; they are imperatives. Neglecting them may inadvertently extend the neglect to parts of yourself you hold dearest.

I hold a firm belief that no aspect of you should endure loveless treatment.

Love and Light..✨🍀💜

Dr. Shambhavi Pandey
Dr. Shambhavi Pandey

Written by Dr. Shambhavi Pandey

Dreamer and Believer. Mirror Neurons. Life Coach. CBT Practitioner.

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