"I'm so sick of having my heart broken... I wish I could just meet a nice guy."
If you haven't said it yourself, you know a friend who has. But, too often, when women actually meet a kind, affectionate and attentive man, they quickly lose interest and find themselves irresistibly attracted to some dangerous bad boy or mysterious player.
It's unfortunate, really. Not only for the good guys out there, but for the women who might be missing out on a great boyfriend.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with one of the contestants from this season's dating reality show The Bachelorette, and he wants women everywhere to know that just because a guy is nice doesn't mean he's boring, lame, or insecure, like the stereotypical Nice Guy. You just have to give him a chance.
His name is Jonathan Novack, but fans of the show know him as "The Weatherman." This funny, quirky and kind meteorologist from Houston competed with 24 other men for the affection of bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky, only to be sent home before he even had a one-on-one date.
It may be Ali's loss. This good-hearted man has the kind of character most women say they are looking for in a partner. So in my quest to help women understand men - of all types - better, I set out to learn a little more about Jonathan - what makes him tick, his approach to dating, and what he's like in a relationship.
Take a closer look and I think you'll agree that nice guys like him don't deserve to finish last.
Before and After The Bachelorette
Paige Parker: What was your dating life like before "The Bachelorette?"
Jonathan Novack: Off and on. I would date a woman and really be into her...then it wouldn't work out and for a while I would get a little discouraged. Then I would meet women who were really into me and I wasn't looking for anything serious. Kind of the classic dilemma most people have.
PP: Tell us a little about your experience on "The Bachelorette." What made you decide to go on the show?
JN: My friend Debbie nominated me back in 2009. I didn't really give it a second thought. Then I got a call from casting in the fall of last year and they asked me to audition. I actually wasn't sure if it would be a good or bad move, but I really thought it'd be a unique experience and one that could possibly lead to me getting married.
PP: Would you say Ali is your "type?"
JN: Some of what I learned about Ali is definitely what I'm looking for. Sense of humor, ambition, intelligence. Physically, I've actually dated all kinds of girls. Blondes, brunettes, red heads...curvy, skinny, petite. I definitely was attracted to Ali.
PP: Even though it's a "reality show," obviously "The Bachelorette" is far from most people's dating reality. Were there any moments on the show that mirrored dating in real life?
JN: I describe the experience as regular dating, except compacted into a few weeks and amplified. There's a jealousy factor because you're seeing her date and kiss these other guys right in front of you. And you are constantly trying to stand out and impress her. And you want to see her again when you're not with her. All emotions that are normal. It's just that you feel them more strongly and quicker than you otherwise might.
PP: What did you learn from being on the show?
JN: That I don't ever want to live in a house with 24 dudes again! And that there are definitely women out there that are looking for the same things I'm looking for. It's just a matter of time I think until it happens.
PP: Any regrets?
JN: I regret not having more time with Ali. If I had had a one-on-one date with her and she still sent me home, I would have at least felt like I had a good shot at finding love. But I feel like I didn't get a true chance to see if there could be a spark or connection.
PP: What's your current dating status?
JN: I'm single right now. I've dated since I left the show, but nothing serious has evolved. I'm still looking though!
Understanding "The Nice Guy"
PP: As a viewer/fan of the show, I'd say you came across as sweet, funny, genuine - an overall "nice guy." Would you say that is an accurate description of who you really are?