Aha. Thank-you H-B. You've just answered the question I've been asking myself for over 20 years. This is completely off topic from the original post, so I apologise.

I'm 40, shy, a virgin and, whenever I think about it, believe I'm never going to have a relationship with a woman in my life. My posts on these boards have received a "you're sweet" response from at least 4 different women in the past week

It seems I'm too nice, too caring. Trouble is, I don't know how to be anything else and, honestly, I don't think I want to be anything else. I always try to treat women (well anybody) with respect, honesty and always think through my actions to ensure no-one is insulted or hurt before I do them. I make mistakes, so that doesn't always guarantee I don't put my foot in it, but protecting other peoples feelings is very important to me.

The above describes how I think a man should be, but if that's so, why am I so dog-gone lonely! I try to be a good bloke, but all the girls are after "bad boys". I'll admit I'm short and don't exactly look like Brad Pitt, but it seems I can't bloody win!

Anyway I'm ranting now, so I'll shurrup! Just wanted to say thanks.