The Wife of Bath’s question has been getting some new twists lately. What do women want? A love ‘em and leave ‘em alpha male? A beta provider? Here’s Brit journalist Kate Mulvey with yet another answer: a beta non-provider.

But now there is a third way. The second-generation feminists — that is, women in their twenties and thirties — have found a new way to solve the alpha-beta paradox. The 21st century sisters have a terrifyingly clear agenda when it comes to finding a mate. They map out their life plans early: rise to the top of their chosen career, get the smart house, the cute kids and curl up in bed with a loving beta male. The alpha girl doesn’t need Mr Alpha to sweep her off her feet and buy her a condo in town; she has enough money to do that herself. She is successful, confident and she wants a caring man who can pick up some of the domestic slack.

Speaking for the beta-provider faction, I’m thinking I missed the boat here. House-hubby would’ve worked fine for me. Still time to set my son on the right path, though.