We were in love. The kind of love that makes someone look more attractive. Grins wider, cheeks permanent with blush. Though somehow in the midst of our passion, we can’t seem to make us work. I found myself single again after a four-month reconciliation. I thought about being sad, eating ice-cream and feeling sorry for myself in a bath. But this time something clicked. I signed up for online dating and quickly realised my expectations in dating are fairy-tale. Am I the problem?
Between the smarmy, cheesy and awkward
My ideal man has to have charm. Confidence, a passion for life. Someone who is willing to learn, travel and live anything but ordinary. My fear is being a ‘normal’ woman with a ‘normal’ partner working ‘normal’ jobs. I want someone to open up my eyes as though I’ve not seen the sun. But importantly, I want a guy who is nice and not in love with themselves in a way that’s a little icky.
From my experience so far, I’ve encountered men who expect me to travel all the way to where’s suitable for them, without considering meeting somewhere good for us both; I’ve had men write down on their profiles that they are attractive, or better yet, they want a beautiful, brilliant and sexy woman, without really having any appealing qualities to attract such a woman. Perhaps I’m judgemental and cold, but I scroll through profiles and think – is this it?
Now, I’m not saying I’m a complete fairy-tale. I am terrible at making decisions – please don’t ask me to suggest a restaurant or bar, I have a knack for rushing at the last-minute – despite waking up hours ahead of schedule, and I seem to complain about my tiredness as though my tiredness is rain and thunder. Like a classic British person who can quite happily grumble about the cold 340 days a year – the other days we occasionally get lucky.
Is Mr. Average the way forward?
According to research by Oxford’s University’s Internet Institute, straight women are more likely to create communication with men who rate themselves average. The study published on Refinery 29, also notes how a woman suggesting she’s clever is a turn-off to straight guys. From the messages I have received, most men enquired about my writing and showed interest. Though, perhaps writing is not considered an intellectual career?
It’s hard to say what average is – is it about looks, income, skills, hobbies? What if one person’s ideal is another person’s plain? Average to me is a lack of excitement, chemistry and butterflies. I don’t think I have ever gone for looks. My type of attractive is not Hollywood’s leading man. I guess I prefer men from Hollywood in the 50’s and 60’s. Those black and white films have that wonderful, non-cheesy affection. It’s less cliché. Are my expectations in dating based upon made-up movies? – just a tad. Though, I’d like to believe that somewhere in life, even the made-up things have to be kind of true, because someone thought of them in the first place.
Expectations in dating – fairy-tale love against online commitment
Hiding behind laptop screens and phones, it’s all to easy to block and discard as though your time spent with a person is now erased. You simply delete them like they’re bad mail. We have numerous apps and sites, choice upon choice, and going on a date is becoming casual. More than that, as The Sun reports, we have all these new dating terms and tricks to treat a person as a toy. People are on the hunt for admiration, a good night or great sex – though I’m sure people out there will oblige to good – or bad – or just sex whenever. I was annoyed when my last date kept asking if I wanted to go back to theirs. On the first date – I felt I became Charlotte from Sex and the City and strongly said no. Truthfully, I didn’t fancy the guy to say yes, if I was to consider.
I guess my expectations in dating are high. But like Lauren Bacall says in her autobiography, I’m an either all or nothing kind of girl. It’s either everything or nothing. So maybe it’s wrong to have fairy-tale expectations in dating, but the opposite, a lack of expectations, seems worse.
I want half a fairy tale I guess. The fairytale but with equality.
I’m getting there, men are already opening doors for me all the time! Though that could be because of my wheelchair… Oh well, I’ll take it ;P
In the morning, it’s every man for themselves. In the afternoon, men are suddenly gentlemanly. I’d say definitely take it :p
I love this comment! Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I’m glad you have found your Prince Charming, and I agree with what you said – it’s about the closest to perfection.
x
Thank you! It’s nice knowing I’m not the only one with this view. I think there’s too much pressure in life, especially with age. It’s not even just about kids, people think you should be married at a certain age simply because. I hope we both find our perfect partner soon 🙂 x
Ah, you’re so like me! I’m currently looking for a life partner too but I guess I’m also having fairy tale expectations but it turns out that you get the exact opposite. I have expectations but my parent’s tell me that you can’t get the perfect life partner. I’m trying to kind of have less expectations and just trying to find the right person for me and that unconditional love. Girl, you’re a beautiful soul and am sure you will find an amazing guy out there ❤️
I think it’s about finding what perfect is for you. There’s no such thing as a perfect man in a general sense, but individually, I think we can find it.
You are a beautiful soul as well. I’m sorry we haven’t spoken much lately and I’ve barely managed to blog since my job, but I hope you’re well. x
Yes, so true! Aw, thanks hun and no prob! I actually haven’t been blogging that much as well but I’m glad we’re keeping each other updated on Insta. I’m doing well, hope everything is going well at your end
Hang in there beautiful lady! It’s hard to find someone who wants a relationship but don’t lose hope. I firmly believe what you seek is also seeking you!
Thank you! I’m going to remain optimist 🙂
I can see myself in many things you mentioned here. Dating isn’t easy these days and it’s especially hard to find someone who’s looking for a serious relationship. But keep looking girl. The right one is waiting out there for you xx
Thank you! Fingers crossed – I do think it’s tough trying to find someone who wants a serious relationship, and then someone you actually like. I feel I’ll be looking for awhile xx
I know it is but I‘m convinced it‘s still possible to find the right person. Hang in there.
Absolutely not wrong to want a fairy tale! If only men understood!
nataliesdailylife.wordpress.com
Yes – If only! Thank you Natalie 🙂