These alphas don’t grovel.

They don’t fall at the heroine’s feet. They’re smart. Blunt. Competitive, outspoken, driven. Adventurous. Witty and occasionally coarse, the way men are. They roll up their sleeves and sweat. At times, they’re rascals – almost a little mean. In bed . . . they’re pure sensual rakes.

Then they’re unexpectedly tender. (those shivery, heart melting moments)

Love makes them romantic, old school style.

They’re protective. Respond to both vulnerability and strength.

They like soft women. Not doormats, but women of conviction, who overcome their insecurities and become stronger.

If they’re gonna fall, it’s going to be for a woman who’s real. Not a wonder woman who doesn’t exist. He’s drawn to the woman who can hold her own with him.

Heroes like:

George Peppard in the captivating ending to Breakfast at Tiffany’s, when he tells Audrey Hepburn: “You know what’s wrong with you, Miss Whoever-You-Are? You’re chicken. You’ve got no guts. You’re afraid to stick out your chin and say, ‘Okay, life’s a fact.’ People do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness.”

Handsome rogue James Garner, when he tells Julie Andrews “she’s doing the morally right thing,” while he gets broken in half, in 1964’s The Americanization of Emily.

In the exhilarating Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy Jones (Harrison Ford) winces from his wounds, telling Marian (Karen Allen): “It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage.”

Rhett (Clark Gable) tells Scarlett he’s joining the army — and that he wants a kiss.

Rock Hudson debates Doris Day’s “bedroom problems” in 1959’s Pillow Talk.

And let’s not forget cowboys, particularly the darker, haunted ones.

Like Timothy Olyphant as sharpshooter Raylan Givens in this crackerjack musical tribute to Justified.

Val Kilmer as gambler/gunfighter Doc Holliday in Tombstone.

Or Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone.

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