this post was submitted on 05 Oct 2025
88 points (98.9% liked)

Ask Lemmy

34978 readers
1868 users here now

A Fediverse community for open-ended, thought provoking questions


Rules: (interactive)


1) Be nice and; have funDoxxing, trolling, sealioning, racism, and toxicity are not welcomed in AskLemmy. Remember what your mother said: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. In addition, the site-wide Lemmy.world terms of service also apply here. Please familiarize yourself with them


2) All posts must end with a '?'This is sort of like Jeopardy. Please phrase all post titles in the form of a proper question ending with ?


3) No spamPlease do not flood the community with nonsense. Actual suspected spammers will be banned on site. No astroturfing.


4) NSFW is okay, within reasonJust remember to tag posts with either a content warning or a [NSFW] tag. Overtly sexual posts are not allowed, please direct them to either !asklemmyafterdark@lemmy.world or !asklemmynsfw@lemmynsfw.com. NSFW comments should be restricted to posts tagged [NSFW].


5) This is not a support community.
It is not a place for 'how do I?', type questions. If you have any questions regarding the site itself or would like to report a community, please direct them to Lemmy.world Support or email info@lemmy.world. For other questions check our partnered communities list, or use the search function.


6) No US Politics.
Please don't post about current US Politics. If you need to do this, try !politicaldiscussion@lemmy.world or !askusa@discuss.online


Reminder: The terms of service apply here too.

Partnered Communities:

Tech Support

No Stupid Questions

You Should Know

Reddit

Jokes

Ask Ouija


Logo design credit goes to: tubbadu


founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Excepting reciprocal interest in you

top 50 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 59 points 3 days ago (2 children)

The last woman I was chatting with turned out to be anti-vax. So, not that.

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] RBWells@lemmy.world 6 points 2 days ago

This thread has been interesting to read.

I don't worry about guys starting out with preconceptions about women, most of them do (as we do about men) but also recognize people are individual. it always has settled out for me over time, but maybe the guys I attract are not looking for traditional "femininity" as I don't really ooze with it in looks or behavior. I'm delighted to be a woman for sure, but was not raised very differently from my brothers, my mom just treated us all the same.

And the first two responses in the list when I look at it:

"Having a sex drive as high as mine and not being bipolar."

And

"Someone that is okay with not being able to engage in coitus with me."

Shows how different we are, really that gives me hope.

[–] classic@fedia.io 42 points 3 days ago (2 children)
[–] thatradomguy@lemmy.world 12 points 3 days ago

Beat me to it. High five!

[–] s@piefed.world 6 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I was meaning people you may know in person or people you see on dating apps or the like

[–] classic@fedia.io 13 points 3 days ago (1 children)
load more comments (1 replies)
[–] Ceedoestrees@lemmy.world 30 points 3 days ago (6 children)

Creative, fun and encouraging. Emotionally mature, respectful, and commited to ongoing self improvement. Everything else is peripheral, but bonus points for writers and artists who are into pc gaming and technology.

My biggest issue has been men socialized with some kind of bias against women, who don't examine their need to protect and try to make decisions for me. I'm pansexual but lean toward people with dicks.

I learned how to use power tools when I was seven, I'm mechanically inclined, and built my own PC at eighteen. There are an unfortunate number of men who will start a conversation with me from a place of condescension. The last date I went on, he showed me his chainsaw, I asked to try it out and what he said started with "Okay, well it can be a little scary at first because it's loud..." Another guy told me I was cracking eggs wrong when I made breakfast. I used to be a head chef.

[–] s@piefed.world 7 points 3 days ago (1 children)

The condescension and man-splaining thing is difficult and is definitely a trained part of a male-dominated culture/sub-culture if it is based on prejudice. The chainsaw incident might have come from a genuine place of concern and caution since power tools can be dangerous, even variants of tools somebody has experience with. I personally struggle with gauging my expectations of how familiar any random person would be with something I’m bringing up, especially if it’s something I’ve had other people confused by in the past. I usually say “Have you heard of X?” or “How familiar are you with X?” to try to avoid either scenario of my audience thinking that I’m condescending them or them being lost about a subject they know nothing about.

[–] Ceedoestrees@lemmy.world 8 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

I know and understand where it comes from, but I don't want to deal with it in a partner.

The chainsaw thing was absolutely because I'm a chick and representative of his overall attitude toward me that evening. Asking if I'd used a chainsaw would have been appropriate, or a quick rundown on starting/stopping would have been fine.

Basically, I ask myself if he would have said the same thing in the same way to a man. I've worked on enough jobsites to know that no, that doesn't happen.

[–] TheDoozer@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago

If you're not using one of these, you might be cracking eggs wrong.

load more comments (4 replies)
[–] Squirliss@piefed.social 7 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Authenticity, depth and integrity. Someone who isnt performative to please me and who I dont have to perform to please either. They wont force me into a role or idolize me yet we should still be able to like and appreciate each other as people of our own. Plus someone who I genuinely find physically attractive because I rarely find men who are attractive to me by my standards so until I find someone like that I dont even wanna try dating.

[–] TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Yeah I am with you. Incredibly hard to find.

99% of my social interactions are someone trying to please me to get something out of me. And I hate it. It is so hard to find people who are just... doing their thing and respect you doing yours. It's so rare, but it's so nice when you do meet people like that.

I feel like social media has supercharged it. I definitely used to meet more authentic people 10 years ago than I do now.

[–] cybervseas@lemmy.world 29 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Mostly free time to meet in person. Busy professional looking for busy professional gets difficult.

[–] Strider@lemmy.world 14 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Let me just drop this here as constructive criticism..

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-most-common-regrets-people-have-at-the-end-of-life

Now I know some might think there's this guy on the internet throwing around stuff feeling very clever but let me tell you that's not it.

I experienced it, my heart stopped. And so could yours. I was very lucky. And now I'm not running around selling the next religion (the contrary actually) however I can recommend making the time for things that count.

[–] Speculater@lemmy.world 9 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Workaholics are toxic. Not having time to meet your life partner means you're not trying.

[–] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 11 points 3 days ago

This. If you're married to work, very few people are going to want to be your side piece.

[–] Krudler@lemmy.world 21 points 3 days ago (6 children)

I'm gender fluid, I describe myself as 70% male, 30% female gender identity. I'm straight.

I am exhausted by women continually declaring what they want in men, but not really wanting that. I simply cannot act obsessive, possessive, or dominant. I want a woman to approach me on an equal footing. It continually shocks me how women demand toxic behavior in a dating context.

[–] Ceedoestrees@lemmy.world 8 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I was like this when I started dating. Popular media and family impacted how I viewed love and relationships, so accustomed to living with controlling narcissists I didn't understand what healthy affection looked like.

My first relationships were nightmares with similar people who reinforced those ideas. If I was approached by someone with a healthy, balanced mindset, I wouldn't know what to do with them.

Which is not to provide a solution, but rather some insight. In a sense it's a good thing you recognize a toxic situation before it begins, in another sense it can be lonely and frustrating, and I can commiserate from the other side

[–] Krudler@lemmy.world 8 points 3 days ago

I completely agree and I can validate many women I've met have been in very toxic relationships, and as much as they hate them, they do not know how to function in a healthy one

load more comments (5 replies)
[–] AA5B@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Opportunity? Losing my baggage? Admittedly not in a hurry until my kids graduate but it would probably be wise to start laying the groundwork.

Currently my hobbies and activities tend to be home oriented so I really don’t meet anyone. I’ve always been introverted and most of my adult friends were couple friends or her friends. The few times I’ve looked into dating apps I’m immediately horrified by the personal information they collect

My ex has been amicable and reasonable and we’ve done a decent job of co-parenting but it’s tough to get past dedicating your life to someone for so many years. I wouldn’t take her back since things got toxic but I’m having a hard time leaving completely. At the same time I’d feel like I need to protect myself from anyone new, both in not opening myself to attack and not risking what little I have left for supporting my kids and retirement

I’m a real catch, right?

[–] RBWells@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

For someone you will be. When I went through my breakup I thought I'd just try to find a couple casual guys but not relationship with anyone - 4 kids, a job, digging out financially but not quickly, and I'd never considered myself 'sexy' though I've always had a high sex drive, because I was skinny without much in the way of T&A - like even when I was nursing kids my boobs didn't get big at all! And my ex (and I thought all guys) was into curvy plush built women, liked me despite my build not because of it.

Anyway - met my husband in the course of trying to find my casual guys and he had kids, more than I did actually because he'd gotten custody of all the kids, including his stepkids when he split from his ex. Well, who's not afraid of a lady with 4 kids? A guy who raised 5 as a single dad, that's who. Finally down to just 2 at home, one finishing college the other just finished high school.

Believe me, there are women out there who will consider you a perfect fit.

Oh and I also found out there are plenty of guys who like skinny, though I now have more weight still look more athletic than curvy.

[–] BonesOfTheMoon@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I still have to live with my vicious manipulative abusive ex for now until I can safely escape financially/logistically, and while we are very much NOT together, that's not an appealing situation for a potential date and I get that. I would also not want someone to feel like they had to help me get out, or like I was monkey branching into a new relationship, which is what my ex had done to me, which I didn't find out for some time, because that felt really bad for me when I found out, and while I don't think my ex deserves any considerate behaviour after the way he's treated me, I wouldn't feel good about myself for doing it.

It also feels really crappy to be middle aged and start all over with this, have to weed out the ones who aren't suitable, make an effort about the whole thing, and have to navigate a physical relationship with someone new, or find someone that shares my values.

Also sneaking around my ex would be potentially explosive.

Not going to lie though, having someone that makes me feel loved, tingly, excited, etc, and isn't a damnable monster would really be nice.

[–] TheLunatickle@lemmy.zip 20 points 3 days ago

Options, I'm entirely socially isolated.

[–] HatchetHaro@pawb.social 15 points 3 days ago (1 children)

scales, wings, a tail, and the ability to breath fire tbh

[–] Kissaki@feddit.org 6 points 3 days ago

Would you accept fish scale?

Is puking blobs that are on fire acceptable? Without distance propulsion.

[–] Kissaki@feddit.org 13 points 3 days ago

I don't have current options.

[–] BurgerBaron@piefed.social 16 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Depressive intellectual honesty is #1.

No children ever #2. I didn't like children even when I was one and that never changed. My sense of morality also disagrees with procreation.

No deity beliefs or vague spiritualism #3.

That's it really, and yet I've barely ever met anyone like this. People don't exactly advertise these traits that I've seen local to me.

Edit: Oh and as far as physical goes I'm not body picky. It's mostly about the face. I like angular, resting bitch face. Intensity. If you scare people I'm into it.

[–] braxy29@lemmy.world 12 points 3 days ago (5 children)

i think #3 is your greatest limiter. i expect more people have at least some kind of spiritual / meaning-making impulse than don't, by a large margin.

[–] BurgerBaron@piefed.social 6 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

I'd agree. Stats show I've already cut 75% off the global population with that preference alone just the religious! I'm sure it's higher factoring in spiritual.

load more comments (4 replies)
[–] underreacting@literature.cafe 15 points 3 days ago (1 children)

An immune system capable of dealing with my pets.

Living nearby.

A positive attitude or at least a attempting to improve on things that bother them in their life.

Age.

[–] Zorque@lemmy.world 13 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Ugh, yeah, I can't stand all the ageless people around me. Get on my mortal plane, gosh!

[–] underreacting@literature.cafe 4 points 2 days ago

Exactly! Lol.

Maybe more like "be of an appropriate age". I don't mind a fling or two with people on the extreme ends of appropriate age-range, but recently everyone I connect with seem to be at least ten years younger than me. It's like my city had a purge of people of my age and I just slept through it.

[–] TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world 7 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Human decency. Most of my dates are souless corporate drones who are completely selfishly absorbed in chasing the dragon of materialism, while spouting spiritualistic new age buzzwords about how they value 'experiences' while they are spending 130% of their pay on luxury lifestyle living and are deeply unhappy and are solely looking for a male provider so they can quit their job and maintain their lifestyle.

They are often openly sexist, racist, and disgusting focused on appearances above all else. Everything is chasing brands and projecting an image of 'success' despite how rotten they are on the inside.

The last decent human being I met on a date was years ago. It was an immigrant woman who was a nurse who was supporting her family. She was so kind, thankful, and decent. I was not attracted to her but I meet about 35 of the above types of ladies for every decent one I meet who actually is living for someone other than personal 'hedonism' and needing weekly therapy to 'survive' the 'difficulties' of their sad little rich girl lives.

[–] lightnsfw@reddthat.com 2 points 2 days ago

Having a sex drive as high as mine and not being bipolar.

[–] RizzRustbolt@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Someone that is okay with not being able to engage in coitus with me.

[–] Emi@ani.social 5 points 3 days ago

I was never in a relationship and am very awkward in social interaction so I would probably want someone who will be patient with me and be alright with random info dumps/sharing YouTube videos about random tech and such.

[–] Gonzako@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago

Non drug user/smoker

[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 4 points 3 days ago (4 children)

Someone who actually cares about me enough to help me with the things I suck at. Someone who would drop everything they are doing if I needed them, the way I do for everyone I care about. Someone who thinks I am sexy and wants to be physically intimate. Someone I am comfortable enough around to be myself and not mask to fit in.

What my current relationship is lacking is he's not as available as I would like, we don't talk about deep personal shit, and we don't really have sex. Basically just friends that cuddle and sleep in the same bed on occasion.

Main problem is I want more, and he doesn't know what he wants. But I'd rather keep what we have than have nothing at all. We're not monogamous so I've just been thinking about maybe simply adding more people than trying to find one that ticks every box. Plus it would be fun to say shit like "My Monday and Tuesday boyfriends are hanging out with my Wednesdsy girlfriend, which is why I'm just chilling with Thursday, even though it's Monday."

load more comments (4 replies)
load more comments
view more: next ›