Why Girls Love Twilight’s Edward Cullen

Edward Cullen, the charming, vegetarian vampire from Stephanie Meyers’ Twilight series has captured the hearts of young and mature women alike. Long before Twilight was made into movies and Robert Pattinson came along to bring the character to life (and no doubt attract more fanfare), Edward has set hearts aflutter. What exactly is so tantalizing about Edward Cullen?

Critics have been quick to point out his creepy stalker tendencies like slipping into Bella’s room at night to watch her sleep, and his controlling behaviour such as eavesdropping on Bella’s conversations. Even actor Robert Pattinson himself has once said, “If Edward wasn’t a fictional character and you met him in reality he is like one of those guys who would probably be an axe murderer or something.”

Well Rob, women see something in Edward strikingly different than that. Even if you are on Team Jacob, you can probably understand where Edward fans are coming from. Let’s start with the gloss: he’s described as “impossibly beautiful”, drives nice cars, and oozes charm. Not a bad start.

Edward is mysterious, and a large part of his appeal is that he represents the alluring “bad boy.” What girl doesn’t like a bad boy, someone who adds excitement, a little danger—or in Edward’s case a lot of danger—and makes your pulse race? While most relationships with bad boys in real life typically only last the summer because little things like criminal records and a bad temper dampen the fun, Edward’s other redeeming qualities make him long-term material.

His maturity and refined tastes in music make the other guys in high school look like little boys. Edward also fits the classic protector personality type that so many women find attractive, and his super-human strength and speed save Bella, his “reason for existing” on many an occasion.

There are so many women who fall in love with a man only to find they come second to the man’s mother and family. Edward is not afraid to go against the grain whether it is by choosing a “vegetarian” lifestyle which is a vampire anomaly, or by going against his own better judgment and the wishes of his family by dating a human. Following your heart and standing up to your family makes for a very sexy combination.

And perhaps what is most appealing about Edward is that he is the consummate gentleman. Seeing a man hold open doors, ask a girl’s father for permission to take her on a date, and show restraint is refreshing. In today’s dating scene where women often feel pressured to have sex after the third date, it’s so rare to see a man want to wait before making love.

Maybe no matter how much the modern woman has evolved, somewhere deep down we still pine for good old-fashioned romance and the chance for someone like Edward to court us.

Other Posts You Might Like:

I Don’t Want a Husband—I Want a Boyfriend for Life
Being 1/2 of an Interracial Couple
What’s My Age Again?