When real-world guys just don’t do it for us (like when they string us along and make us think they want something only to send us an IM saying they’re not looking for something serious….Sorry, I’m bitter), we love to escape to our favorite TV shows and live vicariously through the ladies with great boyfriends, even with all the baggage and dramz. There’s just something about leading men that makes us go crazy with adoration/jealousy/excitement/OMG-THEY-FINALLY-GOT-TOGETHER!

Oh, and the guys on TV are usually so. damn. cute.

But with all the amazing TV shows out there and their equally amazing hunks, how do you pick one to swoon over? I know, it’s a tough choice, but this guide might help you decide which boy is right for you:

Warning: Possible spoilers ahead if you’re not caught up with these shows!

If you like…a bad boy with a heart of gold:

Jess Mariano (Gilmore Girls)

When Jess first arrives in Stars Hollow, it’s obvious that he and Rory are going to collide somehow. And when they finally do, after a tumultuous season full of romantic tension, it is awesome. I’m extremely biased, but Jess is, and will forever be, the ultimate TV boyfriend. Sarcastic and mysterious, yet intelligent and (in his own way) caring, Jess is simply the ideal man. Who can resist a leather jacket-clad guy with a Hemingway novel in his back pocket?

Ryan Atwood (The O.C.)

At the start of the series, we get a taste of how bad boy Ryan is going to shake up the posh community of Newport Beach, California that leaves us begging for more. He meets Marissa Cooper, the girl next door, and thus begins a whirlwind romance. Ryan eventually steals Marissa from her banal beau Luke, and our hearts sing when they share their first kiss. Although he comes from a troubled past, he’s really a sweet guy with a caring heart underneath it all.

If you like…a loveable geek:

Seth Cohen (The O.C.)

Seth Cohen made being a nerd a cool thing when the show first debuted. From Batman comics to Dynasty Warriors video games, Seth just screams geek. And yet, Summer still falls for him, as do we all. It’s inevitable, really; he’s sweet, sensitive, and is just too damn cute to resist when he starts rambling. Plus, a Spiderman-style upside down kiss? Isn’t that every girl’s fantasy…and not just mine?

Jim Halpert (The Office)

It’s a familiar story: two best friends who have feelings for each other and, after a long, tormented struggle, finally get together and live happily ever after. Somehow, the writers of The Office managed to skillfully weave such a fairy tale storyline into the mockumentary aspect of the show. They also managed to make Jim absolutely perfect while still grounding him in reality. He’s smart, funny, adorable, and a total sweetheart, even if he is a bit on the dorkier side. But, like Pam, we love him that way!

If you like…the artistic type:

Lucas Scott (One Tree Hill)

Whether you wanted him to end up with Brooke or Peyton, you have to admit that Lucas Scott is one fine specimen of a man. He may have been an athlete in his high school heyday, but in his heart he’s always been a writer. He has the brooding artist thing down perfectly – and it never fails to make us swoon! It’s no surprise that three women on the show (plus the millions of fans out there) all want a piece of him for themselves.

Charlie Pace (Lost)

What is it about a boy with a guitar that drives us crazy? Well, if he’s Charlie Pace, we have other reasons to swoon like mad. It’s easier to overlook his troubled past when you see him with Claire, caring for her and for Aaron as if he were his own son. In addition to being a brooding artist, he’s a real sweetheart. And the accent…oh, that accent!

If you like…someone out-of-this-world:

Max Evans (Roswell)

Roswell may have been a short-lived and little-known show, but the romance between human Liz Parker and alien Max Evans was cosmic in scale. Imagine dating an alien with amazing powers such as healing! Not to mention the complex inner-workings of Max Evans that made him a completely human character in a different way. He’s shy and quiet, more of the sensitive type, and completely in love with Liz. If only I had a guy like that! I could watch the pilot’s opening scene over and over…

Bill Compton (True Blood)

The recent vampire trend has graced both the silver and small screens with un-dead hotties. (Editor’s Note: Anyone else think those two words would never be strung together in a sentence?) But the hottest of them all has to be Bill Compton of True Blood. Besides being, well, gorgeous, he’s a well-mannered gent who dearly loves his human girlfriend and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Sure, his language is a bit antiquated, but he can’t help it; he was turned into a vampire when he was a soldier in the Civil War. And I happen to think his old-fashioned vocabulary adds to his charm. I don’t know about you all, but he could call on me any time he wants to!

If you like…a guy who’ll make you feel good better:

Derek Shepherd (Grey’s Anatomy)

McDreamy truly lives up to his nickname on Grey’s Anatomy. He’s a charming, handsome, intelligent doctor – and, conveniently, a bachelor (after his divorce goes through, of course!). Meredith really hit the jackpot with Derek, even if she doesn’t always realize it. Their relationship is proof that something good can come of a drunken one-night-stand, although you have to make sure to go to the bar near the hospital where all the doctors hang out.

Christopher Turk (Scrubs)

Turk and Carla’s romance on Scrubs is often overshadowed by Turk and JD’s bromance, but if you look hard enough, you see a sweet love story. Turk may be somewhat of a buffoon (especially when JD is in the picture), but at heart, he’s a great guy and loves Carla. Plus, a sense of humor is an absolute necessity when it comes to a guy. Turk has plenty of it, so if you like to clown around with your man, he’s not a bad choice at all. He can also be quite sentimental when the situation calls for it.

If you like…a party animal:

Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)

When it comes to Chuck Bass, you either love him or hate him. Although he often is a disgusting pig of a man, you have to admit that he has style. Chuck Bass parties only with the best, so if you’re sole purpose is to have a good time, get on the guest list to one of Bass’s bashes. If he likes you, he’ll make sure you have the time of your life. In fact, he’ll guarantee it. Oh, did you feel that shiver down your spine?

This is nowhere near an exhaustive list of the best TV boyfriends. Who are some of the guys you’d like to steal from their leading ladies?

So now you are stuck in the library for days at a time trying to stuff 4 classes worth of info into your alcohol-tainted brain. And you need an effing break! What do you do? Here is what CollegeCandy’s writers do for their much needed study break:

Sues – University of New Hampshire: My whole day is pretty much a series of study breaks since I continuously get sucked into the Internet and realize that I’m online shopping, reading blogs, and basically doing everything but studying. If I step away from the computer, I go to the gym!

John – UConn: My study break is when I stop drinking coffee in order to drink beer.

Kari – FSU: My study break looks like Phish Food, a well earned back rub from my boyfriend, and a wonderfully distracting episode of The Office…30 minutes of Jim Halpert’s face will perk me up any day.

Elise – UCLA: I slice an apple, cover it in cinnamon and Splenda, put it in the Kitchenette oven…I don’t let myself think of anything stressful while I let it bake… 20 minutes later I have healthy, sugary goodness and a clear(er) mind!

Lauren – University of Michigan: Mind numbing internet surfing. With a Diet Coke and some Pringles.

Elizabeth – UA Huntsville: My study break involves Facebook and some form of chocolate. Lately it’s been chocolate milk. A lot. I hate exams.

Erica – Kent State: Yogatoday.com when I’m feeling extra healthy & productive.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: I put in one of my Grey’s Anatomy DVDs and make some Easy Mac.

Suzanne – Tulane: Honestly? I go on CollegeCandy.

Alex – Lakehead University: For a study break I usually make a cup of tea and either pick up a book if my brain isn’t fried yet or, hop on the computer to check my email. Another favorite of mine is calling a friend for a longer break; gossip can be SO de-stressing.

Beata: Watching Love Actually and crying/laughing hysterically. Very good stress reliever.

Carly – Grinnell : If my brain isn’t too fried from reading academic mush, I curl up with a fun book and a cup of hot chocolate or tea. If it IS too fried, I do a Sudoku. I don’t have math classes, so it’s fun to do something with numbers that is actually enjoyable.

Noa – CU Boulder: I go to the gym. It’s the only way I won’t feel guilty or stressed about taking a study break.

Sara C: I like going for a run downtown. Getting off campus for a bit reminds me that life does go on beyond final exams!

K – NYU: Take out, en masse, with as many friends I can find who also need to procrastinate. Nothing better than chatting and stuffing one’s self with slightly greasy Thai food.

What do you do?

[Photo courtesy of http://flickr.com/photos/spencergoodall/]

Let’s see…]

DAY ONE

9:15 a.m.: Walking to the gym in sweatpants, a dirty wifebeater, no makeup. Get catcalled by at least fifteen people. Oh, ethnic neighborhood, you’re so charming.

12:03 p.m.: Walking home from the gym in the same gear as before, only now drenched in sweat, get catcalled by about fifteen more people. I finally tell one of them to f*ck off. It feels good. His response? “Someone needs to get laid!” I hate dudes.

11:23 p.m.: At my place of business which is, in fact, a strip club, where I am, in fact, a stripper. A scruffy but jovial old man solicits me for a trip to the VIP room, which I gladly agree to (Guaranteed $160 for a half hour? Hell yes!), but first warn him that I’m not one of those girls that do “special favors” in said room. He says that’s fine and wanders off to get more cash from the ATM.

11:43 p.m.: After about ten minutes, the old man pulls out his dick and asks me to give him a blowjob. I tell him no way in hell; I already said that’s not how I do. He tells me it’s fine, because he has a condom. I tell him he can get the f*ck out.

11:50 p.m.: After five minutes of arguing and an extra fifty bucks for being an asshole, we finish the dance and the guy behaves himself. Before we exit the room he kisses me on the cheek and tells me I’m a lovely girl.

11:04 a.m.: While on the treadmill at the gym, a guy who’s always there at the same time as me stops and hands me a cute little bouquet of flowers and tells me to have a good day. The gesture is adorable, but the dude doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell.

3:15 p.m.: My former boss (Greek, gay) sends me a text message asking me if, as per previous discussions, I’ll still marry him so he can get U.S. citizenship. I say sure. I know a lot of people who have done this and ended up falling in love with each other, but he’s gay so…f*ck it, right? He says he’ll call me later in the week.

11:35 p.m.: At a private table at a sh*tty club with my roommate and her friend, being fed Grey Goose by a promoter. Some douchnugget sits next to me and asks me if I’m a model, I inform him that I’m actually a stripper. His eyes light up and he proceeds launch off on a compare and contrast session between my job and being an investment banker, which is what he does. I stare at him for a while and then decide I’m too drunk for this and announce I’m leaving. He asks if I’ll be at the club next weekend. I say no.

DAY THREE

9:04 a.m.: Wake up to a text message from a number I don’t recognize asking me if I’m going to be working tonight. I respond yes; they say they’ll see me there. I decide I really have to stop giving out my number to people at work when they ask for it.

1:13 p.m.: Spend an hour facebook stalking ex-boyfriends/lovers/crushes. Feel very nostalgic.

2:21 p.m.: Make a craigslist personals ad.

10:45 p.m.: Work. No one makes any mention of texting me, but a dude does get a VIP room with me. He instructs me to stand/sit in various positions while he gives me a massage and we talk about his kid’s soccer team for half an hour. At the end, he gives me a forty-dollar tip. People are so weird.

DAY FOUR

3:26 a.m.: Last client of the night is a quiet Asian kid who gets a VIP room with me. He asks if he can kiss me. I say not on the lips. He spends the half hour laying on top of me periodically trying to kiss me on the lips, though I continue to flirtly but firmly (as is the stripper way) push him away. As we leave the room, he apologizes and slips me a fifty.

4:34 a.m.: Check my e-mail, eight people have responded to my ad. They run the gamut from mundane (5’5” Jewish film student) to hilariously unacceptable (Norwegian bodybuilder wearing a Speedo in his photo). Seriously, dudes are f*cking nuts.

11:43 a.m.: Wake up and check my e-mail again, have received a message from an acceptable (by comparison, at least) black jazz musician. I write to him and think about how hilarious it would be to bring my black musician boyfriend with me to my tiny backwoods hometown. I decide I’m getting ahead of myself.

9:01 p.m.: Watch many many episodes of The Office. Masturbate a little. Jim is so hot.

DAY FIVE

11:35 a.m.: Spend the day at an artist’s studio I volunteer at, end up talking to a girl there about doing the Master Cleanse. According to her, in addition to making you feel amazing and allowing you to think clearer than you ever have before, in the weeks following your sex drive is totally off the charts. I decide it’s on.

6:32 p.m.: While at Barnes and Noble looking for the Master Cleanse book, a dude that looks kind of like a younger version of PC from the Mac commercials tells me I’m really cute and asks me for my e-mail address. I give it to him, though I’m hard pressed to say why.

7:55 p.m.: The musician has written me back and there are multiple Jesus references strewn about the e-mail. He will not be visiting my hometown with me.

11:27 p.m.: After exiting a cab, a guy stopped at a stoplight yells, “Hey, mami!” I ignore him, but then a girl in the car says, “Excuse me, miss?” Curious, I look at them. Three Hispanic kids, probably my age, boy driving, girl in the passenger seat, another boy in back. The girl says, “Wanna hang with us?” I decline because I am on my way to meet some friends at the bar, and also because I cannot possibly comprehend why I would take them up on this offer. The light turns green and they drive away, but I am intrigued by the exchange. Where could that situation have possibly gone?

DAY SIX

9:03 a.m.: More craigslist responses. They’re all horrible. Of course they are! Who the fuck looks for love on craigslist?! Social mutants, that’s who!

9:10 p.m.: At work, I’m sitting alone drinking a gin and tonic when a boy sidles up to me. He’s Argentinean and kind of cute. We chat, he gives me the usual speech about how a nice all-American girl like myself doesn’t belong in a place like this, and then he asks me for a lap dance. I dance for five songs, and the whole time he asks me if I like it, if it turns me on. I laugh and say, no, it’s kind of like filing or data-entry as far as I’m concerned. When we’re done I ask for the $100 he owes me and he tries to haggle with me. I finally say I’ll take $80 just because I don’t feel like fighting. He pays me, then asks me for my number. Seriously.

DAY SEVEN

3:12 a.m.: I decide I need to make more money, so I sit down next to a younger-looking guy sitting by himself. We start chatting, and it turns out he’s around my age, Irish, a bartender, and kind of fly. We drink beers until last call, and he looks at me and asks me what next. I say we should have some beers at his apartment, which is in the neighborhood. He tells me to go change and he’ll meet me outside.

4:15 a.m.: We’re walking to his apartment and I wonder what the hell has gotten in to me. Sure, this guy is cute enough and good company, but definitely not anyone I would expect myself to go home with, and yet, here I am. I force my second thoughts to the back of my head.

4:40 a.m.: We crack some Coronas, get halfway though them, and then proceed to have sex. Amazing sex. Hours and hours of amazing sex in positions I’ve never even considered before, and it is definitely not my first time at the rodeo. My mind is blown.

11:03 a.m.: Wake up, have more sex. Even though I’m now sober, it is still mind-blowing. We finish up and I say I should bounce, he tells me to write down my number. He lets me out of his building and I start walking, thinking the world has never looked so beautiful.

11:43 a.m.: I arrive home and announce to my roommate that I’m in love. She asks what his name is. I realize I have no idea.

12:00p.m.: Spend the rest of the day in a fantastic mood literally prancing around my apartment. God I love sex.

Total: Many lap dances, one possible foursome opportunity, one masturbation session, one surprise old man penis, multiple rounds of out-of-this-world sex with one nameless Irishman.