Women love a man who's in control.

But what does that mean, exactly? It really seems as if it's hard to find the exact mix of attitudes and actions that will result in turning women on rather than either causing them to roll their eyes or worse...run away.

Being in control requires masculine strength, almost by definition.

Yet, we've all heard about certain guys who can only be described as "controlling jerks". It's their way or the highway, regardless of what the woman desires or even what's good for her.

Almost invariably, guys who attempt to hamfist relationships like this are actually demonstrating more weakness than strength.

They put the woman they're with on lockdown, largely because they're so insecure in their jealousy.

They assert their selfish, narcissistic will in a feeble attempt to feel powerful, probably because they lack power in virtually every other area of life.

But make no mistake, there are also guys who are so weak that even when they try to be controlling, they come off as begging.

Perhaps you've known a guy who was so insecure about losing a woman that he resorted to threats and/or ultimatums to try to keep her around.

Such behavior only comes off as desperation. Leveraging fear of loss is quite simply an ill-conceived attempt to hold a relationship together that's not healthy for either partner.

Meanwhile, there are even guys out there who habitually deny a woman almost anything that's within their sphere of influence to affect, even if they're required to fight pure, obvious logic in the name of being contrary.

Again...it's all rooted in security.

Granted, most of us aren't so extreme. But that doesn't mean there still isn't room for improvement.

Unfortunately, some of what many of us do in the name of being a man who's "in control" is learned from reading questionable dating advice.

Well, either that or we misinterpret perfectly reasonable dating advice.

Perhaps you've been taught never to give a woman what she wants, lest she thinks she "owns" you.

I've personally read advice clearly advocating that the only straight answer you should ever give a beautiful woman is "no".

And then there are the countless twists on trying to get what we want while camouflaging neediness or selfishness.

The "three day rule", "kino escalation" and "building compliance" all come to mind.

So then, what is the right way to present yourself as a man who's worthy to be in control?

The answer is disarmingly simple, yet it almost never occurs to many in this "me first" culture of ours.

What you do is make bold decisions based on what her best interests are.

You'll soon find out that nearly every well-adjusted woman with a good heart is going to respond magically to that.

No, you don't necessarily give in to whatever she asks...nor should you.

But when it's cold outside you give her your jacket instead of shrugging and telling her it's too bad.

Yes, YOU are the one leading. But your leadership invariably shows positive concern for her.

Sooner than later you'll not have to worry about when to call a woman. If you sense she needs a call from you, you'll pick up the phone. You won't play games.

You'll quickly discover that when you actually give a rip about a woman you're attracted to, she's more likely to want to have sex with you than if you were pushy about it.

And most of all, you'll find yourself with a willing woman rather than merely a compliant one.

So go ahead...take control. Do it the right way and you'll have distanced yourself from all the other creepy jerks and milquetoasts out there who just don't get it, and probably never will.

Give a woman you really like the freedom to accept your leadership and willingly offer you the control you deserve as a man.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!