Do Not Take These Boys Home.

• Author: Atlas, Alexander
• Position: LIFE IN AMERICA

WHETHER he is Prince Charming or the all-star athlete, something about him attracted you. It could have been the intensity behind his eyes or his perfect straight smile that caught your attention. Whatever it was, it did the job. Most times, with the good also comes the bad. How many times have you overlooked the bad, all the flaws and faults? Please do not assume I am talking about his physical imperfections, either.

You are on a journey to the other side with me as your guide. I need you to breathe in slowly and exhale, then continue this process until your thoughts are clear and you are open-minded. I want you to grasp the information I am providing you. Here is my breakdown on four of the most-commonly known acquaintances, better known as "The Boys." I will help you understand the Player, Bad Boy, Mama's Boy, and Scrub.

With the Player, you will love the way his words flow as if spoken by an angel from above. His voice will sound like sweet, smooth music, mending your heart and soul. His wordplay will connect to the millions of nerve endings in your brain until a smile forms across your face. Past listening to his voice, he will say everything you want to hear, making you laugh and smile during moments of uncertainty. You cannot believe he is real. You even may think your mind is playing tricks on you. You often will question yourself as well as him. With his gift of gab, he is masterful at painting you the perfect picture, playing with your emotions as if he was playing his favorite video game. It is what he loves to do; he is the Player.

In most cases, the Player will have at least two phones, one for personal use and the other for business. Nine times out of 10, he will not even own a real business. Never will he answer incoming calls in front of you. He will feel comfortable texting in your presence. He always will remain cleaner than clean and smelling good. He will have the perfect excuse for every situation you question him about. He is very handsome and armed with excellent social skills. He will appear to be financially stable, or he will practice the art of "fake it until you make it," which you will learn further on.

Arrogance and confidence will ooze from his pores, which is what attracted you to him in the first place. Bonding time with him will be limited, usually quick and short, due to the many other women he must tend to. You never will know about, or even suspect, extra curricular activity in the beginning because of...