Here's Why You Should Start Dating Outside Your Type

The idea of dating is exciting because that's what will potentially lead you to meet someone with whom you can share your life. Modern dating can also be frustrating because you talk to someone for days or weeks only to get ghosted out of nowhere. People on dating apps can be flaky and inconsistent to say the least. Some people use dating apps just for fun, while others are being more honest about what they are looking for, so they aren't wasting anyone's time. Shan Boodram, Bumble's Sex and Relationships Expert, told The Knot, "We're seeing that there is no more 'gray' dating where people are ambiguous about what they're looking for or why they're on the apps." 

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly didn't make it easier for people to meet in person. However, with the world opening back up, people are getting more opportunities to meet dates more organically instead of just sticking to virtual dates. People are dating smarter, too. According to Match's annual Singles in America report, 83% of people choose emotional intelligence over physical attractiveness (via PureWow). That's a step in the right direction because qualities like "being open-minded and accepting" are stronger indicators of a longer-lasting relationship than your appearance. 

A question often asked when dating is "what's your type?" Generally, most people have a type they prefer to date based on where they live, their principles, or what they're attracted to, but it seems it might not be a bad idea to date outside of your type.

There are reasons why we are drawn toward a specific type of person. Perhaps you are attracted to people with brown hair or those of a certain height, but evolution might have a role in this thinking. In fact, Dr. Shannon Curry, a clinical psychologist, told Brides, "In the early days of human existence, life was short and brutal." Mate selection was based on survival rather than finding "a meaningful, fulfilling relationship." When you are set on only dating within your type, you could be "limiting" yourself by judging the person and keeping yourself from meeting someone who could make you truly happy.

Furthermore, Connell Barrett, a dating coach, told Elite Daily, "A benefit of dating outside your type is growing and learning." Suppose you keep your options limited to your type. In that case, you might be repeating the same cycle and preventing yourself from meeting someone who offers a different perspective on life to help with "broadening your dating horizons." Cosmopolitan shared that "untyping" will be a big dating trend in 2022, citing Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson's relationship as an example. 

Even Badoo, a dating app, shared that "three-quarters of singletons are looking to let go of their 'type' for 2022." Perhaps dating "your type" for years hasn't worked out for a reason and is restricting you from finding your person — and you need a reset. You never know what's out there, so opening yourself up to new possibilities might help you find your soulmate.