This article was inspired by an Italian friend of mine who has arrived at a crossroad juncture in his life where many of his goals have not been realized reinforced by early thirties paranoia that seems to creep up on us males with little or no warning.

Listening to my friends concern with a sympathetic and understanding ear could not deter me from identifying the many contradictions and bewildering experiences that have accompanied me on life's weird and not always wonderful journey. Today's male is under scrutinizing pressure to be a) a modern day romantic b) full of ambition and c) a successful professional type somewhat in the mould of 'Darcy' from Pride and Prejudice.

The many males whom may read this article will instinctively identify with this and roll their eyes at the PC with disgust and even contempt at what they may have experienced over the years.

What contempt? The females will ask how hard is it to be a romantic and successful in a chosen arena. OK let us first address the first area of concern - successful male - a wise man I knew once said 'let a man not be judged on the fortune he amassed but on how fortunate his friends were to know him'. This man was a successful property developer and was a rarity in that he believed by being good to people lady luck shone on him on numerous occasion throughout his fruitful 63 years. It seems that in today