What's Your Type: Expert Tips on How to Answer | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Featured

Ditch the Stereotypes: Redefining Your 'Type'

We've all been asked this - here's how you should answer.

141007
Ilistrated drawing of two womans faces side by side with flowers around thier heads
StableDiffusion

Ah, the infamous question that we’ve heard all too often.

It comes up in all different kinds of scenarios, whether from a friend who’s trying to set you up, a relative trying to embarrass you at a family function, or maybe even a coworker trying to set you up with their son. The question is harmless and in most cases has innocent intentions behind it. But when you really think about it, this is an extremely stupid question to ask, and an even more stupid question to answer.

Many people answer this question along the lines of, “baseball player”, “musician”, “someone who lifts weights”, and so on.

baseball player pitching to throw a ball My type a baseball player StableDiffusion

Notice these answers are all affiliated with a specific group of people, as though whoever answered these questions will only date someone if they fall into that category of people.

Along this point, having a “type” is so incredibly narrow-minded it hurts to think that some people actually believe this. And even worse, hold true to their specific “type”. It is completely understandable for people to be interested in certain characteristics in males or females, like if someone shares similar hobbies as you. But to say that you have a “type” consisting of a generalized group of people is just silly. Stupid. Wrong. By saying that you have a “type”, you are saying that you have a pre-defined pool of candidates that you would dip into whenever you are looking for someone. And just that pool. No others. Which is not the case for most (if not all) people. That’s just ridiculous.

You shouldn’t narrow your options based on whether or not someone plays a sport, instrument, has a specific hair color, whatever your weird condition may be. Have you ever heard of the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Same rule applies here.

So, the next time someone asks you what your “type” is, I suggest you

(1) ask them if they support stereotypes and making generalizations about specific groups of people, because that is what “types” do, and

(2) respond with one (or multiple) of the following:

  • My type is someone who genuinely expresses interest in me, and has the desire to get to know me better.
  • My type is someone who is constantly trying their best to make me laugh and smile.

Older woman laughing with her mouth open True laughter StableDiffusion

  • My type is someone who makes me happy.
  • My type is someone who sees my flaws, accepts them, and doesn’t try to change them
  • My type is someone who treats me with respect.
  • My type is someone who I can be 100% myself with and not have to act or pretend about anything.

No more of this “lacrosse player” or “guitarists” nonsense – I petition to put a stop to this. It’s fine to say you are attracted to boys who play lacrosse or play the guitar, but don’t sell yourself short to say that’s your “type” and that is the only group of people who are interested in.

Ilistrated image of a man and woman looking at one another with flowers and hearts around them My type is true love StableDiffusion

Your “type” is anyone who makes you happy, whether they carry a lacrosse stick or not, because that’s really the only thing that matters.

Report this Content
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

3817
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

3362
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments