Introduction
As a man, I can acknowledge that we sometimes make questionable choices in the name of love. While we won’t delve into the darker aspects, like violence, it’s fascinating to explore the extremes some men go to win the affection of women. Here are 13 astonishing stories that highlight this phenomenon.
1. Dashrath Manjhi: The Mountain Man
In the 1950s, Dashrath Manjhi, a laborer from a remote Indian village, was heartbroken after his wife, Falguni Devi, died due to lack of access to medical care. To honor her memory, he dedicated 22 years of his life to carving a road through a mountain, reducing the distance to the nearest town and improving the lives of his fellow villagers.
2. The Extreme Loyalty Test
In 2016, Alexey Bykov staged a fake death to test his girlfriend’s devotion. After hiring a film crew to create a dramatic scene, when she arrived, he surprised her by popping the question. Shockingly, she accepted his proposal, despite the twisted method of his test.
3. The Story of Carl Tanzler
Carl Tanzler, a German radiologist in Florida, became obsessed with a young woman named Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos. After her death from tuberculosis, he went to extreme lengths, stealing her body and preserving it for seven years, which only ended controversially when her family discovered the truth.
4. John Hinckley Jr.’s Infatuation
In a bizarre turn of events, John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster, whom he had become infatuated with after watching ‘Taxi Driver’. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent decades in psychiatric care.
5. Akihiko Kondo’s Virtual Love
Akihiko Kondo spent $18,000 to marry Hatsune Miku, a virtual pop star. This unconventional love story highlights the lengths people will go for companionship, even if it’s with a computer-generated avatar, complete with a hologram to simulate interaction.
6. The Tale of Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter
Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter deceived women by pretending to be Clark Rockefeller, a wealthy heir. After marrying a wealthy woman, he eventually kidnapped their daughter, leading to a significant manhunt and ultimately a long prison sentence.
7. Richard Burton’s Lavish Gifts
Actor Richard Burton purchased a stunning 33-carat diamond ring for Elizabeth Taylor, which cost him $305,000 (nearly $3 million today). He later gifted her an even larger diamond, showcasing his extravagant displays of love.
8. King Henry VIII’s Religious Reformation
In an extraordinary historical move, King Henry VIII left the Catholic Church simply to marry Anne Boleyn. This drastic step led him to create the Church of England, proving that love can indeed change the course of history.
9. Modern Incels and Looksmaxxing
Driven by a desire for acceptance, some men are turning to extreme plastic surgeries, like rhinoplasty and limb-lengthening, in a desperate bid to meet societal beauty standards, often in hopes of attracting romantic partners.
10. The Heart of iPhones
A Chinese programmer made an extravagant gesture by purchasing 99 iPhones, totaling nearly $80,000, to win the heart of a coworker. However, the grand display did not yield the results he hoped for, as she turned him down.
11. Brendon Donoho’s Artistic Proposal
To propose to his girlfriend, Brendon Donoho collaborated with an artist to create nine custom paintings depicting milestones in their relationship. He unveiled this heartfelt tribute at a local museum, and she joyfully accepted his proposal.
12. The Taj Mahal: A Testament to Love
Commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal stands as a magnificent tribute to love. It took over a decade to complete, reflecting both his sorrow and devotion.
13. Edward VIII’s Abdication for Love
In a shocking move, Edward VIII abdicated the British throne to marry Wallis Simpson, a divorced woman. His declaration of love paved the way for a new life together, exemplifying the power of love over duty.
Conclusion
These stories demonstrate that the lengths men will go for love can be inspiring, absurd, or even controversial. Have you come across any outrageous acts of love? Share your thoughts in the comments!
