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.

139811
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
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

287
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15185
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3080
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments