My Prince Charming

The Duke of Diamonds in the Rough

Okay, so your perfect prince is more beast than beauty. So what? Whether he's shy, studious or simply different from the other guys you've fallen for in the past, you're interested in what he has to offer inside. And good for you! That means that you have loads of self-confidence and aren't focusing on superficial things in a man. You know that there's often more to someone than meets the eye. Your ideal Prince Charming is practical, but likes to surprise you with special treats. He's the type who keeps you guessing and you love it.

But like Thumbelina's little walnut bed, this kind of guy might be a tough nut to crack. He's a challenge, but maybe that's what attracts you to his type in the first place. The way to win this prince's heart is by sticking it out long enough to become one of the treasured few who are allowed to see his best side, his soft side. Be patient, be supportive -- and let him be himself.

Is the thrill of molding and shaping a man to meet your standards part of the attraction for you? If you're the kind of woman who falls for fixer-uppers on a regular basis, consider this advice for future relationships. "Focus on finding the best in people, not the worst," says Wendy Paris, author of Happily Ever After. "You never know how a relationship will evolve." One word of warning, though: Just be careful not to let too much bad behavior happen on your watch. Patience is indeed a virtue, but putting up with temper tantrums or standoffish behavior is no way for a princess to behave. Compatibility is the name of the game, whether it's once upon a time or the 21st century.