subject: The Draw Of Paranormal Romance [print this page] In recent month especially we have seen a huge increase in paranormal interests. From scary stories of real life experiences to romance between regular people and monsters the pull so many have toward the inexplicable is plainly visible.
One element of this draw is particularly interesting, not only in the idea itself, but in the real life applications that may be taken from it. The subject is the romantic draw that so many, especially women, feel for the supernatural world.
We can see evidence of this in the macabre settings of hundreds of paranormal romance films in which brave and often beautiful females brave the unknown only to find a partner who is as terrifying as they are enticing. Thousands of books twist the fate of everyday life into paranormal ghost stories involving love, or monster romances or perhaps the most recent in which a young woman hopes to find vampire love as the answer to her greatest dreams.
What is it precisely that holds such fascination in a romance story wrapped around a nightmare? There are many elements to the appeal of this genre and in those we will observe some actions which can help to bring a bit of the magic into real life.
The Draw
Strength:
For the most part the group of followers, who we might refer to as paranormal romantics, is made up of women. The reasons for this can be seen creeping through the ages planting their pull in both fantasy and instinct calling upon what women find attractive about blending the two worlds (or many worlds,) together.
For thousands of years women were thought of and in many cases still are thought to be, the fairer sex. This meant that strength, endurance and courage were highly sought after qualities in a mate. The strongest mate meant protection for both the individual and any children that might be born, thus securing a woman's life as much as she could be made to feel safe.
Is it any wonder then that a creature with powers beyond those of any human being would have the power of attracting women and drawing them to the idea of having the ultimate safety net?
Danger:
Another aspect of the appeal is that being afraid is in a roundabout way, attractive for many people. The body naturally reacts in an intensified mode when danger is close by and when these feelings combine with romantic notions the attraction can be overwhelming. When a particular genre naturally includes little additions to ensure that the monster of the tale has romantic characteristics it is almost impossible not to see the evidence of how strong the pull is towards the general idea of a romance that defies the laws of reason and normality.
Knowledge:
It is typical of many of these gothic romances to include characters that have outlived any regular human life by hundreds if not thousands of years. In some stories the primary romantic character(s) may have even traveled from distant worlds or dimensions.
The wealth of knowledge that such characters possess is often extremely attractive, especially as a mate. Many women relish the idea of a mate has captured the wisdom and patience that we so often see experience of life building. This type of appeal, though not exclusively belonging to women, often appeals more to females as they tend to more attracted to a being as a whole rather than purely based on physical attraction as so many men often are for a time in their life.
Power:
While both sexes certainly find power to be a very attractive and often dangerous lure, we have seen for thousands of years how often it has captured the heart of women all over the globe. A powerful being once again may represent an element of safety and once again this can be an extremely attractive feature.
Old Fashioned:
Many women look to generations passed, in some cases far passed, for their ideal romantic dialog and interaction. In many of the romantic stories which include the supernatural the romantic leads have an old fashioned way of speaking, may have mannerisms that have been lost to our current society.
Romantic:
Because of the long histories and often ancient mannerisms of many of the leading romantic roles in these types of stories and settings the romance factor is extremely high. In some cases it is a lost way of speaking, in others a kind of chivalry that is not often seen today. All in all, there is simply something about a time long gone that many women find attractive when compared with the selection of prospective mates today. True, in most of these situation the characters themselves are romanticized, but this only helps to make them that much more attractive.
Real Life Applications
Once you begin to understand the reasons for the enticing world of paranormal romance you may begin to see some connections that can be made in your own modern day life. By making use of these stimulating effects you may be able to work a little magic into your dating or relationship experiences and become the seductive character within your own story.
Mystery:
In many of the gothic romance tales there is always a bit of mystery surrounding the romantic lead. This can be utilized easily in today's world. If meeting women in a club don't be too forthcoming about who you are what you do, keep a little mystery about yourself and see how often curious glances come your way.
This can be especially fun to play with when using online matchmaking services as it allows you to slowly piece together bits of a person's personality and can be wildly exciting. The world may have changed, but many women still enjoy a romantic love letter and are likely to respond well to a well worded email during an online romance.
Mannerisms:
Though sometimes difficult to pull off in this modern world, a little chivalry can go a long way and certain actions can truly help you get noticed. Your manner of speaking can also be played upon to enthrall the hearts of women you meet though you may need to practice this beforehand.
Confidence:
One main theme that you can find in most stories with a terrifying and wonderfully attractive character is a healthy amount of confidence. In certain stories one may even find a reluctance to interact with other human beings in the main character thus drawing the interest of the human romantic lead even further. By keeping confident and cool you can easily appeal to the same senses.
Courtesy:
Though sometimes brooding and mysterious most paranormal lovers are still the picture of good manners. The dreary way in which most women get treated often leaves them longing for a bit of flare and a gesture of devotion. Don't forget that courtship may have changed over time, but the idea is still just as true today. By showing a woman that you posses the qualities to thrill her heart, mind, body and soul; through artful words and displays of affection you will appeal to a desire that has been passed down through the ages.
Summing Up:
Most women today enjoy the equal footing they stand on with men, but this does not mean that some of the romantic traditions of old should be neglected in romance. Though one can certainly build a relationship without these frills and fantasies many women find themselves longing for a mate who posses just a little of the magic within them.
Whether or not you are a vampire, werewolf, god or monster, bringing some of the mystery and excitement of what attracts so many to the idea can be a great way to increase your romantic appeal. Consider ways that you might modernize this bit of centuries passed and utilize the emotional and physical reactions that stories of this kind so often provoke to increase your chances for finding the enthusiasm, passion and perhaps even love you've been waiting for.
