The reason women date many men before they get married is because we need to try them on for size. Marriage is for life -- at least we'd like it to be -- so sampling the different types before settling on just one is imperative. Some marry the first guy they kiss and that's it. But for many of us, dating around helps. And it helps us feel less slutty to think we are just on the hunt for Mr. Right even if it takes many, many men before we find that one.
You don't have to date 18 men prior to marriage (but you can and should if you want to!). Some guys posess many of these traits. These different types can help you weed out the personalities you absolutely cannot deal with. You may also find a nice combo of traits you never knew turned you on. Plus, the different scenarios that come with dating different kinds of men is a learning that you can apply to the guy you do end up marrying should that trait pop up. Here are the 18 types of men you should date before you get married.
- The musician. He loves his music and may sometimes choose the groove over you. Something all women who date music men must deal with. The sex is usually great, too, so that's an added bonus.
- The mountain man. Can an outdoorsy type of guy find true love and harmony with a city girl in heels? Only one way to find out.
- The hippie. Dude. You should find out if you love tie-dye tapestries as curtains and the smell of patchouli before you take the plunge.
- The skater. This could also be the surfer, snowboarder, or motorcycle man ... any guy into extreme types of sports. Many of these guys are tough on the outside, super sweet on the inside.
- The gamer. Sharing your guy with a remote control takes a special kind of woman.
- The corporate type. Never say never, even if you are an indie DIY type.
- The skinny guy. Some women love being with a guy thinner than they are. Some really don't.
- The overweight guy. Never ever discount a guy because of his weight. He could lose it and get healthier. And being with a guy much bigger than you makes you feel really petite. And he often tries harder in the bedroom.
- The asshole. Just because you need to get this type out of your system. And being with a jerk prepares you for those moments when Mr. Right acts like a poopstain.
- The older guy. Too mature or just right?
- The younger guy. Age may or may not be nothing but a number.
- The nerd. I think they can be kinky.
- The guy with a lot of money. You deserve to be spoiled and know what it's like to live without worrying about rent.
- The guy with no money. It's humbling and savvy to know what it's like to live worried about rent and what to eat. Makes you stronger.
- The weirdo. Kink factor here again, but he could also be a deep thinker and make you expand your mind.
- The guy who has a kid. A glimpse into what a guy could be like when he's a dad. A peek into parenthood can make you learn a whole lot.
- The wimpy type. If you can kill spiders, then the wimpy guy might be a good match for you. But it's good to find out if this quality irks you or not.
- The macho type. Makes some women swoon, others cringe.
More from The Stir:
10 Guys Who Are Dating Kryptonite to Single Mothers
Dating by Smell Is the Latest Strange Way to Find Mr. Right
Did you date these types before marriage? Working on it now? How many traits on this list does your man have?
Image via Robynlou8/Flickr
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Comments 33
I was marred to numbers 1, 8, 9, &13 for 20 years, I wouldn't recommend it.. I am now married to 8, 11, 14, & 16 and could't be happier!
I didnt find any other of the 18 types of men very judgmental. Maybe sterotypical...but ok whatever. But the Overweight guy:
The overweight guy. Never ever discount a guy because of his weight. He could lose it and get healthier. And being with a guy much bigger than you makes you feel really petite. And he often tries harder in the bedroom.
Now thats just offensive. The first sentence, good. The second, expecting a man to change a feature about himself that you may not like.... typical woman. But that him being overweight makes YOU feel better about YOUR appearance...and he may try harder in the bedroom (implying because he'd be selfconscious about his looks).... completely offensive, self centered and horrible.
Im not easily offended at all... but this one pissed me off.
I married my first boyfriend. I don't think he really fits into any of these categories well. And to be honest, I don't think I'm missing anything by not having "those" guys in my past.
One boyfriend can be summarized as several of those guys... He was definitely the a$$hole, and the gamer and the guy with no money... And a few others. I've done dated the younger guy. But I don't think the older guy is for me. I look and act younger than my age, so young guys are a good fit. In fact, the guy I like is 8 years younger than me.
How about the closeted gay guy who helps you avoid marrying one?
Wow. I don't have much of a "past", and have never felt the need to have dated around. I married my perfect man 4 years ago (who happens to fall into 5, 7, 10, 12 and since we've been married, 16). We work quite well as a couple and as a family unit, and we both came with little to no baggage.