Global Male Stereotypes: The Man Child

Since the popularity of the Dubai Stereotypes series - which seems to have run out of a bit of steam from my side recently - and in light of my current situation, I am starting a brand new series, Global Male Stereotypes.

At some point, although I must say I am in no hurry and in no way ready yet, I suppose I will have to start dating again. Not a very pleasant thought at the moment, frankly, but one I will have to face eventually. When that time comes I'll need to be armed with enough knowledge to be able to avoid the hounds, the rats, the emotionally stilted and all the other unsavory types on the prowl out there. 

In the interests of research I've been talking to my single friends about their experiences, and to my married friends about their encounters prior to entering the matrimonial state. We came up with a long list, enough to keep me busy writing for quite a while. 

Here is the first in the series: The Man-Child.

The Man Child is a more common phenomena than one might think. A boy dressed up in man's clothing, on first viewing you may consider him to be all grown up... but dig a little deeper and you'll discover the child that looms large within.

With a smile designed to melt the heart and an endearing vulnerable side, any woman with even a glimmer of a maternal streak will find the Man Child simply irresistible. But although he may be fun, sweet, cuddly and lovely to be around, Man Child has a darker side. 

Prone to throwing his toys out of the pram when thwarted and possessing legendary sulking powers when not allowed to have his own way, Man Child has his mummy on such a high pedestal that no mortal female could ever measure up. And, like any child when presented with a gift, he usually finds the packaging far more interesting than what's on the inside. 

Women be warned - however old he may be in physical years, Man Child is more interested in sampling the varied attractions of the playground of life than settling down. The good news is that one day he'll be forced to grow up... at which point he'll turn into the whole man he has the potential to be. 

The big question, though, is - can you be bothered enough to wait around until that day comes?

Next week: The Tortoise