stances, and how to respond in others—how to choose wisely “when
and with whom,” and how not to be propelled by the archetype into
destructive situations.
Her warm and attentive mode of relating may also be misread by
men who mistakenly assume that she is especially interested in or
sexually attracted to them. Then, when she rebuffs them, she may
be thought of as a heartbreaker or tease, and blamed for leading
men on. Such men may feel tricked and resentful, and may turn
hostile and angry. As the object of unwanted infatuation and angry
rejection, an Aphrodite woman may be hurt, may become angry
herself, and may be confused about what she has done to evoke such
responses. When an Aphrodite woman becomes aware of this pat-
tern, she can learn to dampen the budding ardor of a man she doesn’t
want to encourage. She can indicate her unavailability to him or
become more impersonal in manner.
DENYING APHRODITE
When an Aphrodite woman is raised in an atmosphere that con-
demns sexuality in women, she may attempt to stifle her interest in
men, downplay her attractiveness, and consider herself bad for
having sexual feelings. But guilt and conflict over expressing her
Aphrodite nature lead to her feeling depressed and anxious. And if
she acts the part so well that she splits off her sexuality and sensuality
from her consciousness, she will lose touch with a major part of her
real self, and thus lose her vitality and spontaneity.
DRAWBACKS OF LIVING IN THE PRESENT
Aphrodite women tend to live in the immediate present, taking
life in as if it were nothing more than a sensory experience. In a grip
of the moment, such a woman may respond as if there would be no
future consequences to her actions, and/ or no current loyalties that
might conflict. This orientation goes beyond an impulsive affair that
will be disruptive for all concerned. For example, she may buy
beautiful things that she can’t afford, or habitually “stand people
up.” She makes plans with great enthusiasm and every intention to
carry them
Aphrodite: Goddess of Love and Beauty, Creative Woman and Lover