ABSTRACT
The "Male Mystique" (which can also be utilized with women as the "Female Mystique") is useful for men who are in the process of separation or divorce and are displaying "desperate" behaviors to try to recapture their spouses or ex-spouses. They are usually the "dumpees." When the more-invested spouse displays these desperate behaviors in an attempt to recapture the other's interest, it makes him even less desirable to the less-invested partner, and his solution maintains or exacerbates the problem. These clients usually come to therapy depressed and/or overwhelmed with the decision of their spouses to leave. They have difficulties mobilizing themselves and often state they would "do anything" to get their spouses back.
