Groundhog Groundhog Date. By Catherine Abes
Why do we find ourselves dating the same kind of person over and over (and over again)? Charlotte Ayaz has never dated the kind she’s encountered in dating the same kind of person, Ayaz says she doesn’t feel of person that would bring her flowers. the need to try something new. For her, It isn’t for lack of interest — the 19-year-old having a type means being attracted to York University student describes herself a person whose interests align with hers, as a romantic. Nonetheless, she accepts thereby making for a compatible couple. that a lack of romantic gestures is a con- As for her preferences regarding looks — sequence of dating her “type” — the kind the physical aspect of attraction — she’s of person she finds herself most com- not quite sure where they came from. patible with. Of the four partners she’s Her best guess is the influx of skinny, dated, three of them have matched the awkward pop stars like Harry Styles and same criteria: lanky, bespectacled, unas- Justin Bieber who rose to fame in her forsuming, nerdy and, to her dismay, quite mative years, or maybe the appeal of the boy next door stuck. Who knows? practical about romance. “With the kind of person that I’m attracted to, none of the people I’ve dated have been super romantic,” she says. “There’s always an issue where I don’t feel like I’m getting the attention that I deserve.” Ayaz’s current partner is no exception: he recently told her that flowers aren’t a useful gift. Despite the recurring obstacles that
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Well, the answer is uncertain. In a sort of chicken-and-egg situation, people can often pinpoint recurring similarities in their exes but can’t recall where these preferences came from. And yet, these types are pervasive enough that dating can start to feel like a Groundhog Daystyle time loop, but instead of reliving the same 24 hours, you’re dating the same kind of person over and over again. Plus,