Men practicing Tiger Woods Syndrome marry based primarily on physical attraction and charm over the more durable qualities of character and common interests. Once the thrill of the relationship fades after the Honeymoon stage, these mirage men find themselves stuck with a stranger they may not even like as a friend.Resentment builds as the husband finds it harder to ignore his true feelings, tastes and goals. These men will blow off steam by arguing about non-relational issues like the family dog.

We see this illustrated in many episodes of popular television series. In "Everyone Loves Raymond", the husband, Ray, realizes he never had anything in common with his wife Debra. In "Seinfeld", George Costanza realizes he is stuck with his fiance Susan. As Elaine put it, "He doesn't like her, he likes it."