One of the things I’ve found holds me back in the relationship world is the fact I can sometimes – maybe – be a little bit picky. I can be dating an absolute hero of a guy, a really great chap who to all intents and purposes is perfect. Except… he has that weird flick that his hair does, or he slurps spaghetti too loudly, or, I don’t know, he has a hairy back. Bleaugh.

I have decided this problem is not my fault. It’s the fault of romcoms. Prince charming is out there!! That perfect man. An angel without wings, just waiting to sweep you off your feet and into his arms…..

ALAS…

This, I hate to break it to you ladies, is rubbish. Sure, there are a few dreamboats out there. Guys that are just right for you, but still, even with your nice mishmashed man of Adam Brody’s head on Mark Wahlberg’s body with Ron Jeremy’s… well, you know what I’m getting at here, you’re still going to find some way to be disappointed.

So, I’ve taken a new stance on dating. I made a list of a few fundamental qualities I would like a guy to have and will go on a date if the gent asking meets my requirements. Of course, you can’t be too specific. If your list features ‘drives a Lamborghini and buys me flowers every day’ I’m afraid you’re setting yourself up for a fall.

MY LIST
1.    Focus and drive – Suitor must have a job and wish to better himself.
2.    Solid group of friends – Suitor must have a good group of friends he spends regular time with (I do not want to be a lonely man’s obsession.)
3.    Attentive – Suitor must be attentive, but not obsessive. (difficult line to tread I know, but there are billions of men that manage it)
4.    Honesty – This one should really go without saying, but, in this day and age, it definitely needs to made a point of.
5.    Pride in their appearance – Here comes that shallow me. But let’s admit it, a well dressed, clean date is way more of a turn-on that someone that turns up with un-brushed teeth and jeans that are too short.

Over that past few weeks or so I have been on a number of dates with guys that fitted the ‘code’. Of course, some of them lacked that chemistry, but one of them stood out. He has ticks in all the boxes above and makes me laugh uncontrollably. Yes, he does have qualities that don’t live up to my Brad Pitt standard, but I don’t seem to notice them… because he’s so spot on with the fundamental requirements.

Now ladies, I am by no means saying settle for anything. You NEED to fancy the pants off your fella! All I’m saying is, give guys a break, They’re not all bad, and just because he forgets your favourite drink sometimes it doesn’t mean he’s not Mr Right.

I’ll keep you posted with how this one goes, I’m sure you’ll all enjoy hearing how I attempt to handle this.
Your friend,
Dahlia xxx