Quote from TD80:
I think the underlying theme of this thread is actually poignant because a good woman can really bring you up to another level. A bad one can take you for everything you are worth both tangible and intangible. This can really impact your trading/mental health, and your account balance. The same goes for peers/society in general to a degree.
Speaking of women specifically, the key to all of this is get to the point where sexual desire or personal insecurity (need for validation) is not driving your decisions. These are the two big problems for men. It isn't just about confidence, if you can be manipulated by sex then you are just as in trouble as the guy with no confidence and no game.
Do what you have to do to (I won't judge) to make sure you are not easily manipulated by sexual needs/desire, and that you can feel/tell introspectively when things are going bad for you in this area and you are losing control (and then initiate recovery actions).
What really trips a woman out is when their mind fucks (or body ones for that matter) do not seem to have any ability to get you to do what they want, yet you are obviously a straight, red blooded man. At this point you will drive them nuts, I guarantee it.
Then you just find the right one over time (I suggest waiting til 30+ on a generic basis). When the right one comes along and finds you damn near impossible to manipulate by standard (learned/acquired) female tactics, you will have a much healthier relationship to build on, it should really be "best friends with max benefits" if you are going the conventional marriage route.