The Dating Trend That's All About Perfectionism - and a Little Bit of Desperation
Gen Zs may have found a new dating trend that's got everyone talking: Shrekking. But what exactly is it? Simply put, Shrekking refers to the act of settling for someone who doesn't quite measure up in terms of physical attractiveness. It's like saying, "I'll take someone with less swag if I can get them on board."
The idea behind Shrekking seems to be rooted in a misguided notion that beauty is skin-deep and that by dating someone considered "less attractive," you'll somehow gain an upper hand in the relationship. Newsflash: it's not exactly how attraction works.
But there's a silver lining - or rather, a glimmer of hope. A recent report by Tinder suggests that Gen Zs are starting to prioritize qualities like loyalty, respect, and open-mindedness over physical appearance. According to Devyn Simone, a relationships expert at the dating app, "When you focus on who someone really is, rather than just how they look, you open the door to a deeper connection."
Not everyone agrees with this sentiment, however. Jenna Bush Hager, journalist and daughter of former US President George W. Bush, has likened Shrekking to a "mean trend" that's more about trying to elevate one's self-worth than genuinely connecting with someone.
So what does it mean to get Shrekked? Essentially, it means dating down and ending up on the receiving end of rejection or mistreatment from someone who doesn't quite meet your standards. Talk about a low blow.
The truth is, there's no denying that attraction plays a role in any relationship. But by prioritizing physical appearance over personality, values, and shared interests, we're missing out on the chance to find true connection with someone.
Perhaps it's time for Gen Zs (and all of us) to rethink our approach to dating. Instead of settling for someone who doesn't quite fit our ideal mold, let's strive for a deeper understanding of what makes someone attractive - and that might just involve letting go of our perfectionism.
				
			Gen Zs may have found a new dating trend that's got everyone talking: Shrekking. But what exactly is it? Simply put, Shrekking refers to the act of settling for someone who doesn't quite measure up in terms of physical attractiveness. It's like saying, "I'll take someone with less swag if I can get them on board."
The idea behind Shrekking seems to be rooted in a misguided notion that beauty is skin-deep and that by dating someone considered "less attractive," you'll somehow gain an upper hand in the relationship. Newsflash: it's not exactly how attraction works.
But there's a silver lining - or rather, a glimmer of hope. A recent report by Tinder suggests that Gen Zs are starting to prioritize qualities like loyalty, respect, and open-mindedness over physical appearance. According to Devyn Simone, a relationships expert at the dating app, "When you focus on who someone really is, rather than just how they look, you open the door to a deeper connection."
Not everyone agrees with this sentiment, however. Jenna Bush Hager, journalist and daughter of former US President George W. Bush, has likened Shrekking to a "mean trend" that's more about trying to elevate one's self-worth than genuinely connecting with someone.
So what does it mean to get Shrekked? Essentially, it means dating down and ending up on the receiving end of rejection or mistreatment from someone who doesn't quite meet your standards. Talk about a low blow.
The truth is, there's no denying that attraction plays a role in any relationship. But by prioritizing physical appearance over personality, values, and shared interests, we're missing out on the chance to find true connection with someone.
Perhaps it's time for Gen Zs (and all of us) to rethink our approach to dating. Instead of settling for someone who doesn't quite fit our ideal mold, let's strive for a deeper understanding of what makes someone attractive - and that might just involve letting go of our perfectionism.
 . It's like, yeah, a good looking person can catch your eye, but if they don't have the personality or values that you want in a relationship, is it even worth it? I mean, I've been on dates where I thought the person was cute, but as soon as we started talking, I realized we had nothing in common
. It's like, yeah, a good looking person can catch your eye, but if they don't have the personality or values that you want in a relationship, is it even worth it? I mean, I've been on dates where I thought the person was cute, but as soon as we started talking, I realized we had nothing in common  . Attraction is important, but let's not forget what makes us happy β finding someone who loves us for all our quirks and flaws
. Attraction is important, but let's not forget what makes us happy β finding someone who loves us for all our quirks and flaws  .
. . It's like, girl, we get it, you're trying too hard.
. It's like, girl, we get it, you're trying too hard. . And Jenna Bush Hager is low-key right - Shrekking is all about trying to boost your self-worth instead of connecting with someone on a real level. So yeah, let's ditch the perfectionism and find ourselves some genuine connections
. And Jenna Bush Hager is low-key right - Shrekking is all about trying to boost your self-worth instead of connecting with someone on a real level. So yeah, let's ditch the perfectionism and find ourselves some genuine connections  . Maybe we should be focusing on building each other up instead of tearing ourselves down
. Maybe we should be focusing on building each other up instead of tearing ourselves down  ?
? Shrekking is literally the worst, like what even is the point of settling for someone "less swaggy" if you're just gonna end up with a hot mess? And don't even get me started on the whole beauty is skin-deep thing... newsflash: it's not
 Shrekking is literally the worst, like what even is the point of settling for someone "less swaggy" if you're just gonna end up with a hot mess? And don't even get me started on the whole beauty is skin-deep thing... newsflash: it's not  . But I do love that Devyn Simone said something about focusing on who someone really is, rather than how they look
. But I do love that Devyn Simone said something about focusing on who someone really is, rather than how they look  maybe we should all try to be more like that for once? It's time to level up and stop trying to perfect our matches
 maybe we should all try to be more like that for once? It's time to level up and stop trying to perfect our matches 
 I mean, can't we just focus on getting to know someone as a person rather than trying to fit an idealized mold?
 I mean, can't we just focus on getting to know someone as a person rather than trying to fit an idealized mold?  It's almost like we're trying to find validation through someone else's physical appearance. That's just not healthy.
 It's almost like we're trying to find validation through someone else's physical appearance. That's just not healthy.  but honestly, dat's not how attraction works at all
 but honestly, dat's not how attraction works at all 

 let's all try 2 be more open-minded & genuine in our search 4 the one
 let's all try 2 be more open-minded & genuine in our search 4 the one  and yaaas to devyn simone's thoughts - when ur focus is on who someone really is, that's when real connections happen
 and yaaas to devyn simone's thoughts - when ur focus is on who someone really is, that's when real connections happen 