Give me a beta hero

There's always discussion about heroes in romantic fiction. Naturally, I had to weigh in. I enjoy romance. Heck, I write it! May as well explain why I prefer beta heroes. So let's go!

1. No obsessive need to control everything - especially other people.
   
2. A beta's self-worth isn't tied to his success. If he suffers a setback, he can adapt and not take it so hard.
3. Betas are far more comfortable and in-touch with their feelings. When they want or care about a woman, these guys are going to say so. They'll be the ones writing songs, letters, and poetry. They're not afraid of grand gestures. Betas are crooners, pursuers, and tender lovers. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and in their eyes. They're not afraid to give their all. That's a very sexy thing.
   
4. Betas are more altruistic. The careers they choose aren't generally ones that earn accolades and recognition. When they put themselves in harm's way to help others, they do it without weighing how it will benefit them first. A few weeks back, I saw an arresting photo of firefighters facing down a blazing forest and I thought, wow, that's intense. Talk about brave. If these unidentified guys are doing this for attention, they failed. We don't know them, but we should.
   
5.  A beta lover is more likely to cook his woman a nice dinner, rather than have his secretary make a reservation. He's the kind of guy to pull a hand-picked bouquet of wildflowers from behind his back when his lady opens the door rather than have a random flower arrangement delivered. Even if he does drop by the florist himself, he'll know his woman's tastes so he can help create an arrangement specifically for her.
6. Betas make the best friends, lovers, husbands, and fathers. They're easy to talk to and connect with. For them, a relationship isn't something to be worked into their busy schedule. It's what they value most at the end of the day. Speaking of fathers, I picture these are the kinds of guys who will sit on their kids' beds, snuggled together while reading a book. He'll gladly check the closet and under the bed for monsters and leave work early to catch the game, or dance lesson.

There's a lot to be said for these nurturing gents. Betas are definitely worthy heroes.
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