Why do we as humans desire what we don’t have more than what we do, and even more to the point, what makes it all the more enticing when we are told that it is off limits?

Ever since Eve couldn’t pass up that apple in the Garden of Eden, humans have been getting themselves into trouble picking that which they should leave alone.

I started thinking about this last Monday night when I was watching the Bachelor. O.K., yes, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that, but Dancing with the Stars is on hiatus, and besides the Bachelor is Juan Pablo, and I have a serious thing for guys with sexy accents — I mean, have you met my husband?

Anyway, the “forbidden fruit” of the evening was not exactly forbidden to the Bachelor, per se, she was just not that into him. Twenty-six other women were flashing their smiles, their legs and their cleavage at him every chance they got, and the one he picked for the first impression rose was by far the most aloof and reserved. So of course, he was totally in to her. And from the previews, I think he’s going to continue to pursue the woman who provides the biggest challenge.

Have you ever done that? Or known someone who has? Many of us are drawn to the forbidden, the exotic, the thing that is off-limits.

I think it starts when we are little itty bitty kids and our parents are constantly telling us not to touch things. They tell us that for our own safety, of course, or so we don’t break everything in the store, but isn’t it all the more tempting to touch those things because you aren’t supposed to?

My step-son recently mentioned a bar that is “a glimpse back on the 1920’s and the era of Prohibition when the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverage was outlawed”. You have to know a special password to get in the door, and they only allow you to stay for a set period of time. It takes months to get a reservation. I lost interest in hanging out in bars years ago, but given the illicitness of the ambiance they have created, it sounded very tempting to me.

I think the answer is to make all the things that are good for you off-limits. Let’s allow unlimited sex, booze, drugs and rock and roll, but forbid fresh fruit, vegetables, sunshine and exercise. I bet we’d all by craving a healthy lifestyle sooner instead of later, and sneaking one on the sly.

In fact, I suddenly really, really want to go do some sit-ups. And then I think I’ll eat an apple….