Uh-huh. And, a man that has *some* self confidence doesn't feel threatened/challenged. So what if they want to 'challenge' you ? That's a good thing. Keeps you focused and your eyes on the ball. I've found that having self confidence to date a very sucessfull, very intelligent woman is *far* more rewarding than dating a english major dropout.
I understand your point. WHat I'm referring to is a balance in life with a significant other. Challeneges are fine, but it depends on the intensity and frequency. I don't want to face more challenges at home than I do at work, aside from the life-events we all have to deal with. ANd I think women value confidence in men quite significantly, too. But the problem with challenges is that they can evolve into competitions that evolve into arguements that can evolve into confrontations. Constant challenges means submission on one part or the other. A good relationship, in my opinion, should not be strong in either. I see it as a partnership where the strengths of one compliment the other. And that balance does fall along gender lines and a good marriage takes advantage of it and doesn't deny it. There's enough challeneges in the world without having to have them in a marriage, too.