The Twilight Saga Phenomenon

I have become increasingly aware and curious about the obsession with The Twilight Saga. I've read the books and if I was any younger, I could see how easily it would be to get swept up in the pages. I had my obsessions when I was young with the boy band phase and Dawson's Creek. The obscure thing with Twilight though, is that married woman and even some men have succumbed to this obsession. Many women have admitted that they have let their obsession with Twilight ruin their relationships with their friends, family and even spouses.

So my question is, what makes a vampire, specifically Edward Cullen, so appealing?

1. Edward Cullen is good looking and charming.

The obsessed women of Twilight would call Edward 'the perfect guy,' if there were such a thing.

Edward is good looking, tall, strong, smart, charming, loving, protective - and the list goes on.

2. Edward Cullen has eternal youth and life.

Eternal youth has been an obsession with women for ages. Just check your local markets for anti-wrinkle lotions and creams, not to mention, the increase of Botox sales.

As for immortality, besides a stake through the heart, is perplexing. Death, although common and destined to humans, is still unknown and 'scary' to young teenagers. And how romantic would it be, really, to spend a living eternity with your soul mate?

3. Edward Cullen is good but dangerous

Edward has a good heart but is inherently dangerous, in the fact, that he needs blood to survive. He may not eat people, but he could. The fact that he has the potential to kill a human but doesn't, makes him all that more appealing.

All girls have had a crush on 'the bad boy' not necessarily because he is bad, but because it is flattering to be singled out and be worthy of his attention. It also shows that 'the bad boy' may have a heart buried deep inside and what girl doesn't want to change a man? Or be the girl a man changed for?

4. Edward Cullen is dark and mysterious, even sulky.

Readers and watchers first get a glimpse of the dark and mysterious Edward Cullen when he tries to hide his glowing, honey eyes in Bella's classroom. When he storms off, this only excites Bella's curiosity. She searches until she finds the answers, but is still left with millions of questions, even furthering the mystery.

Edward is often found brooding. He has many years under his belt, has seen the world, and has to live a life in which every human he cares about dies. He has to live a life of secrecy and at times in hiding when the sun in shining. His deep thought is probably geared towards regret, other lifetimes, and romancing Bella.

5. Edward Cullen is strong and protective.

Women are susceptible to vulnerability, whether it be from loneliness after a breakup or walking down an alley way in downtown Chicago. Women want to feel safe and loved and Edward possesses those qualities. He has impeccable strength and speed; he can destroy the enemy in a matter of minutes.

Although, Edward is dangerous, he does not use his strength or dangerous qualities to harm Bella. Bella is safer with Edward than without him. And Edward would love nothing more than to protect her; he makes it his ultimate goal and mission.

Stephanie Meyer has it figured out; you take the 'the perfect man' and the vulnerable, young girl, set them in a world of fantasy, sprinkle a little love and romance in there and you have a hit among love-starved teenagers. It's obvious it works and grounds for a good book.

As for the Twilight obsessed fans, young and old, I'm still not sure I understand the extent of their obsession. I guess you can take take the Twilight Saga for the guilty pleasure it is, or the masterpiece some make it out to be.