For a lot of men who peruse the dating scene in search of sexual relationships, holding on to a meaningful connection is hard to do. Even for a man who says he's ready to settle down -- the interest in a relationship will sometimes fade long before any ties are broken and it usually spells trouble for women.

Relationships take work. They demand sacrifice, compromise and communication. They also require sincerity and honesty. But for "passion players," even telling the truth may not remedy the problems that surface when men don't truly know themselves. Men who begin sexually explosive relationships will sometimes lose interest after the passion is gone -- a painful and unfortunate result of relationships that start with good intentions and uncontrolled desires.

The behavior is often seen in men who feel ready for serious relationships, but remain locked in a teenage mindset of fantasy pursuits and sexual encounters. The relationship usually begins great. It progresses through one or two years of spending quality time together -- but ends as a tedious battle leaving both persons unfulfilled. The man becomes disinterested in sex and almost all forms of communication grinds to a halt.

Relationship experts believe men who engage in these "start good--end bad" relationships are emotionally independent creatures who may actually desire true love, but are unable to build upon established connections. These men enjoy the chase and the initial thrill of finding, getting, and tantalizing the girl, but once it wears off -- the affection disappears and the search for the next conquest begins.

Though the two situations may appear similar, passion player behavior is completely different from pure sexual pursuits. Men who only look for sex are not very good at hiding it. Many are upfront about their desires and rarely spend years chasing a woman. Conversely, men who are considered "passion players" enjoy sex and intimacy, but are genuinely looking for a significant other.

To a woman - the entire relationship may seem confusing. A partner, who once showered her with love and tenderness, slowly drifts away and pays her little attention. She may become angry or resentful, and her faith in establishing a quality relationship with a "good" man may fade. Women who experience relationships with these types of men often carry their confusion into the next relationship -- spending too much time wondering when it may change for the worse.

Sadly, there is an endless supply of women who allow emotionally detached men to use them for physical pleasure. But it is difficult for women to recognize the difference between a passion player and a man who seriously wants a long-term relationship. They both appear sincere and respectable up front, but one of them has yet to discover who he really is.

Men who cannot quite figure out why the intensity disappears are also left wondering. Most passion players do not understand their own inability to make sacrifices. They reject their inadequacies and repeatedly jump into relationships that are doomed to fail. The key, according to relationship therapists who consult both men and women on the issue -- is for men to define their priorities.

Men must reach a level of relationship maturity where they understand that it's more than just having a woman around for physical pleasure. Several responsibilities such as family, illness, work, and distance will accompany long-term relationships and men must be willing to deal with them.

The desire for sex and intimacy will always be there, but "passion players" should avoid relationships until they are better able to tackle their own inhibitions and place someone else's feelings above their own. Only then will these men be prepared to participate in a meaningful relationship.