According to Dr. Laura, it's usually because a woman doesn't feel she deserves a decent guy, that she could keep his love. How I broke the cycle is to stop and think of all the qualities in a man that would be positive, and make a list. Then, don't settle for less. If you keep on with "bad boys" you could end up in an abusive situation, even though he doesn't act like it now. My ex could control himself for several years before he cut loose.