Even if you think you’ve got everything figured out about the perfect man, life can always surprise you. Whether your type is defined by personality or looks, sometimes it’s a good idea to step outside of your comfort zone and expand your dating horizon.
Check out 10 great reasons to date outside your type, and find out which positive outcomes you might face, whether or not you end up in a relationship with someone who doesn’t fit your type.
1. Your Type Might Be Too Limiting
Whether you fantasized a lot about your perfect guy or you defined your type after you first started dating, you might have imposed some pretty big limitations on your dating habits. Step back and try someone different for a change. High standards can be a good thing, but when you limit yourself too much, you might be missing out on some great guys to date.
2. Reassessing Your Type Is Always Welcome
The kind of man you want is not always the same as the kind of man you need, and that’s one of the reasons to date outside your type. Keeping an open mind in dating and making regular assessments of your expectations when compared to reality can’t hurt. Without an open mind, you might just let Mr. Right walk away.
3. Get Out of Your Dating Rut
When you’ve had a few unsuccessful dates in a row, it’s easy to lose motivation. Taking a break might be a good idea, but dating outside your type can also help you get out of your dating rut. If every guy you go out with seems the same, it’s up to you to shake things up and end the rut. Even a single date with someone different than who you usually date can be a welcome change.
4. Find a New Perspective
Improving yourself and growing as a person is also one of the reasons to date outside your type. Of course, this helps a lot when your type has more to do with personality than with height or the color of your partner’s eyes. However, even if you know you want a tall guy, a single date with a shorter guy might make you realize that there are plenty of things you can’t predict. Men who weren’t born gorgeous will always try harder, and that’s a good thing for a healthy relationship.
See also: How to End a First Date
5. Break Out of a Vicious Circle
When every relationship ends roughly in the same way, you might be dealing with a little dysfunction that’s preventing you from finding Mr. Right. If you’re attracted to bad boys or strong, quiet types, you might definitely benefit from spending a little time with a guy with a very different personality. Sometimes, the guy that provide instant chemistry can be the worse choice for you.
6. Taking Chances Can Lead to Happiness
You can’t get the big reward without taking any risks. One of the reasons to date outside your type is the fact that you might just stumble upon a guy with a personality that you didn’t even know was compatible to yours. A lot of times, fear gets in the way of love, so don’t be afraid to take a chance from time to time.One of the reasons to date outside your type is the fact that you might just stumble upon a guy with a personality that you didn’t even know was compatible to your
7. New Experiences Are Usually a Good Thing
Even if you don’t find the love of your life by dating against type, you might just have a little fun. Trying new experiences keeps you open and can help you grow and get to know yourself more. You shouldn’t start a relationship with someone who is clearly incompatible with you just to try new things, but a couple of dates can’t hurt.
8. You Might Not Know Your Type Has Changed
Hanging on to the same notions about your type that you had in your late teens or early twenties can lead to bad decisions. One of the most important reasons to date outside your type is the fact that you might not be aware that your expectations have slowly evolved and changed.
More: 10 Dating Rules You Should Break
9. You Could Confirm Your Type Is Right
Worst case scenario, a couple of really bad dates can confirm that you were right about your type all along. However, confirming that from time to time helps you stay on the right track.
10. You Might End Up Redefining Your Type
Even when you think your perfect guy has to have some specific personality traits, one of the reasons to date outside your type is the fact that you could end up realizing you’ve been looking for the wrong things.
