5 kinds of people you will meet while dating

There are many types of people on dating websites; from the lonely to the gregarious, the mad to the magnificent, and the sensual to the strange. Literally hundreds or thousands of different subgroups exist, and they can be grouped into various larger types – here are five you may have encountered…

1)The Young Dater

Let’s start with the youngest type of dater you’re likely to encounter – the novice or newbie. While some people, in their late teens and early 20s, might already be busy socially with a thriving circle of friends and appear to effortlessly meet new people and potential partners, others need to put more thought into it.

They might have needed a nudge into the dating scene, might have been set up to meet the ‘friend of a friend’ on a blind date, might actually have asked a friend to write them a profile on mysinglefriend.com. Some gentle persuasion is needed.

As such, this type of dater might be nervous and on the shy side – but probably enthusiastic and attentive too. He or she is likely to relax and open up more after the first date

2)Finally divorced

There are two categories; the 20-something who realised they married far too early and bailed out quickly, or the 40/50-year-old who had the kids, lived the middle-aged life, and realised they want something better for the rest of their life.

The enjoyment of dating these two will largely depend on whether they can leave their emotional baggage behind. Don’t expect them to give up on their children or lifelong hobbies, for example.

However there may be some benefits to the divorcee, such as a greater depth of experience, experience of relationships that broke down, knowledge of commitment in relationships, and some of the other skills detailed in this feel-good piece from Womans’ Day.

3)Flighty

The most frustrating type of dater (or person) imaginable. The first date will probably be OK, but you’ll soon realise that you’re on tenterhooks as the second or third looms. The next date sees them change the time twice, and maybe the venue, and eventually confess they won’t be coming but can do next week? They might break up with you twice in a week. And so on.

It’s not just you, by the way. This is a person who changes their mind as often as their underwear. In their flat (they’re too indecisive to buy) there will be some or all of these items: a guitar (played for a month), 2-3 different types of sports equipment, a number of different types of art which don’t go together which suggest a vague sense of adventure, and mess. Their CV will also look bizarre, with several seemingly curious choices of career swerve every 3-4 years.

It takes a strong will to go further with said person, but you’re guaranteed an adventure for however long it lasts.

4)Fairly casual

Not everyone on a dating website is actually that bothered about getting a relationship. Some just want to hang out with cool people, some want new friends, and some want ‘friends with benefits’ but no commitment. Certain niche websites can cater for that and it doesn’t mean they’re not interested in you as a person – you may gain a valuable friendship or more.

There’s also the type who are lonely. They may have moved to a big town or city and just want someone to talk to, so their dating profile might be part of an overall bid for company. The signs will be apparent early.

5)Frightening

It’s in the eye of the beholder of course – what might terrify some will titillate others. To give examples; A Bayeux Tapestry of tattoos and bolts through the nose; an absolute obsession with Justin Beiber; A girl with every episode of Neighbours on video or DVD, or 38 cats, and so on. Note that there’s nothing inherently wrong with any of these, but they might just be a little curious.

Babble lists 18 niche websites here – we particularly like the sea captains…

Most people have had at least one date that turns into a story to recount at a later date. Only when their behaviour turns frightening, such as anger, jealousy, obsession or troubles with drink, should you think twice.

Here’s the thing about these famous five: they might be perfect for you. Yes, even the bitter divorcee who soon forgets his past life when he’s at dinner with you, or the guy who keeps boa constrictors in his bedroom, or the guy who turns up half an hour late – with your favourite flowers. No matter your preference, there’s someone who can fit your tastes.