I've read far too many articles telling me not to date this guy or that guy. Fill in the blank with broken guy, mama's boy, workaholic, newly single guy or the clinger. There are a million articles out there telling us why we're not supposed to date them.
Throw all that advice out the window and follow your heart. I'm not saying disregard a guy with a history of serial cheating or abuse. Of course, use your best judgment. But know that the old idiom, “One man's trash is another man's treasure,” holds true.
The truth is, we are all broken in some way. Guess what, ladies? We're clingers, too. We're workaholics. We're daddy's girls. We have issues.
We shouldn't dismiss potentially good relationships because we think we have to be perfect or that the other person has to be perfect. Give up on perfection, and date the broken guy.
Date the mama's boy.
So what if he takes her to church every Sunday morning and to Bingo on Thursday nights? That's more "me time" or time spent hanging out with your friends. As long as he spends Saturday night worshipping your body, who cares?
Some say mama's boys are great lovers. They are in tune with their partners' needs both in and out of the bedroom. Mama's little sunshine just needs someone to help him find balance between his mom and his personal life. But when he does, it's smooth sailing for you.
Date the newly single guy.
Yes, he may be broken, but he still has the capacity to love. Dating doesn't always lead to marriage.
You might end up being his rebound, but you might also end up helping him see that the end of his last relationship was a blessing in disguise. He'll be eternally grateful to you for it.
Date the workaholic.
He's passionate, dedicated and successful. Again, balance matters. But, don't disregard someone with great potential just because he spends 70 hours a week at the office. Most professions require young associates to dedicate themselves in the early years so they can prosper later.
He'll also need someone to stand by him. He works three jobs? Is it because he is thousands of dollars in debt or has criminal fines? Or, is it because he's saving to buy a home for his future family? Get the details before you cast him aside.
Date the clinger.
I'm not talking about the creep who shows up unannounced after one date. There's a difference. I'm talking about the guy who, after a few dates, wants to spend a lot of time with you.
He wants to explore and adventure with you. He wants to sleep next to you and not have sex all the time. He wants to hold your hand while you watch movies on the couch.
The clinger loves your presence. What's so bad about that? You're an amazing person. Why wouldn't he want to spend a lot of time with you?
Date the broken guy.
Date the guy who has searched for love in all the wrong places. Date the guy whose father left when he was young. Date the guy whose mother died when he was in high school.
This guy just needs someone to love who will stick by him through thick and thin. Why wouldn't you want to be the light at the end of his tunnel? The rewards will far outweigh the effort.
Of course, balance is key to every relationship. The workaholic needs to know you need attention, too. The clinger needs to know that when you need space, he should let you have it without a fight.
The point is, date someone whose soul connects with yours. Date someone who doesn't fit the mold of the perfect guy you've created based on negative stereotypes. I promise you it will be OK.
