YOU COULD BE OVERLOOKING MR. RIGHT
Single women can sometimes be extremely judgmental about who they will and won’t date. But let’s face it, ladies, your “perfectly imperfect” man could be right under your nose, but you may never know it because you’re looking at all the wrong things. There really is such a thing as being “too picky,” we have clients who fit the bill. But don’t worry, we can help. Take this advice and open up new possibilities.
By Tana Gilmore and Kelli FIsher
HIS HEIGHT
Is he shorter than you by one inch or five? This makes a big difference. During our coaching sessions, we peel back the onion and learn that the real reasons our clients desire someone taller is because it makes them feel safe and secure. He may not be the tallest guy, but consider his other strengths regarding his masculinity and how he may exhibit a take-charge position. This is also a sign of security and protection. You may have to swap out 5-inch heels for a 3-inch pair, but if he is confident he wouldn’t care either way.
DATING OUTSIDE HIS RACE
We understand this topic is a touchy one, but news flash: we do this too. Interracial dating has been going on for years. Women have been publicly dating other ethnicities since the early 70s and before. Olivia Pope of ABC’s Scandal was not the first black woman to date a white man on TV, ladies. Remember Helen Willis of the 70s hit sitcomThe Jeffersons? We are expanding our plethora of options and that’s okay. He has that option too!
THEIR SALARY OUR INCOME
We have heard many older women in our families preach the wisdom that says you want a man who can help and provide for you financially. Of course you do, however, we must also try to help ourselves. Make sure you are in a position to bring something to the table too. The overall goal is to work together to create a great life without the stresses of financial burdens. It’s not so much about his salary, but rather that it’s more about how he manages his income and his financial responsibility
HIS STYLE OF DRESS
One afternoon we were out with a client on an off-site coaching session to gain a better understanding of the type of man she found attractive. She continuously pointed out the sharp dresser with the most expensive shoes and watch. (This guy is quite popular with the ladies.) Instead we pointed out a very casually dressed man wearing khakis and a nice golf shirt who had the look and posture of an educated and intelligent man. Our point was this: Don’t worry so much about his clothes before you get to know him—one appointment with a tailor and he’s a new man.
THE SIZE OF THEIR HANDS AND FEET
Okay ladies, all we can tell you here is this: please don’t believe everything that…
HOW MANY KIDS THEY HAVE
By the time we are in our 30s and 40s, most of us have been in previous relationships and we have made some bad decisions along the way. If he has multiple children, by several women, evaluate each situation. He may not have drama with the children’s mother. He may take care of his children and attend school plays and parent teacher conferences too. Each father is different. Don’t discount them all. After all, making not having kids a non-negotiable item on your list of deal-breakers is eliminating a very large pool with each passing year.
WHETHER HE’S A BLUE OR WHITE COLLAR WORKER
There are many positive attributes to having either a blue-collar or white-collar lover. Most women we speak with tell us that they don’t actually have a preference when it comes to whether or not they’re dating a mechanic or a CFO. They’re most concerned about how a man treats them and whether or not they are okay with her executive position or title. Some of the stereotypes have labeled blue collar men as “fixers and handy” and white collar men as “smart and polished.” Let’s remove these titles all together. Does he have proper work-life balance? Is he diverse? Does he treat you well? These things are key. Don’t compartmentalize men based on their chosen professions.
HIS LOOKS
A “fine” man wearing that title on his forehead comes with a high price, ladies. You may find yourself competing with a boatload of other women or even him. We tell women that the average looking guy will think you’re a beauty queen and wear you like a badge of honor. Over time he will become better looking than Idris Elba to you. We advise you to look for a man that is smart with an amazing personality, who is supportive, makes you laugh and can push you beyond your comfort zone. What we see time and time again as coaches is that a man may not be your first choice initially based on his looks, but when you go on a date, two or three times with a man who exhibits these qualities you may be pleasantly surprised about how you really feel about him.
CHEERS TO LOVE
Ultimately we want our sisters to be happy in love. Our desire is to help you expand your options and not limit yourself. Our challenge to you is to take a look around for those guys you have placed in the “friend zone” and re-evaluate the points on this list. If he exhibits more than half, he may be worth taking a second look. Here’s to love!
