So, we’ve updated our list of guys not to date, now we just need some guys we can go out with. Because dating is best tackled with a positive attitude (as positive as one can muster), we’ve put together a virtual shout out to the Universe. Dear Universe, please send some viable options this year such as the ones listed below. After the jump, guys you should date in 2024.
1. The Guy Who Calls You At 12:01 To Wish You Happy Birthday. This year, I received a 12:01 am birthday phone call and it made me feel very important. I had this moment where I was like, “Ohhhh. I forgot about how when someone likes you they are supposed to make you feel special.”
2. The Guy In Your Class/On Your Sports Team Who Always Stares At You. If every time you answer a question or score a goal, you look over and see him gazing longingly at you, he’s probably interested but he may be shy/awkward/nervous. Make things easier for him by striking up a conversation and seeing if he takes the bait.
3. The Guy Who You Feel Comfortable Wearing No Makeup Around. Feeling comfortable in your au natural state is a sign that you can be vulnerable around him. It’s not just about looking attractive, because that’s really all about how you feel about yourself, it’s about being able to be yourself.
4. The Guy Your Friend Was Trying To Set You Up With All Last Year. She tried four times to get you all together for drinks or bowling, but you were just recently heartbroken and he was traveling. Then you had the flu. Blah, blah, blah. No more excuses. Set a date with your friend and make it happen.
5. The Single Dad Who’s Ready To Find Love Again. I don’t know what woman has shunned single dads. It wasn’t me. Come to Mama. That wasn’t a reference to his children. But I do like children.
6. Your Brother’s Friend Who You’ve Had A Crush On Since Middle School. You see him once a year at your brother’s birthday party and he’s still as dreamy to you as he was when he was 12. Stop pining. An acceptable amount of time has passed since middle school. He’s all growns up and single. So, get the stamp of approval from your sibling and go out with him already!
7. The Friend You Have Growing Feelings For. If you can have a magical falling in love with a friend moment, these make the very, very best relationships. It is very rare that this happens, contrary to what the rom-com industry wants you to believe, but if it does happen to you, don’t be an idiot.
8. The Guy Who Plans Fun, Thoughtful Dates Tailored To Your Interests. There is a guy who does this? Where is he? Where?
9. The Guy Who’s Not Normally Your Type. The older you get, the lamer it becomes to have only one type of dude you’ll date. All of us have preferences, yes. But we have to try something different at some point. And when it comes to really forming a bond with someone, it’s not the superficial stuff that matters. Most of my relationships have happened this way — by dating someone I didn’t consider my “type.” Once I got over the Phish tapestry hanging over his bed, I found out he was a guy worth knowing.
10. The Guy Online Who Actually Took The Time To Read Your Profile And Comment On It Thoughtfully. His profile picture is almost irrelevant. This guy gets a date just for making the effort that so many other dudes online do not.
11. The Guy To Whom You Can Talk To For Hours. And not just about each other. If you can have long substantive conversations with this person, about topics outside of your own relationship and life story, that you actually enjoy, and you’re attracted to him. that’s like WHOA jackpot.
12. The Guy You Can Both Cry in Front of and Snort Laugh With. Some guys feel uncomfortable with the expression of emotion (see # 6 on 12 Guys Not To Date ). This man does not. I’m so over holding in my tears or snort laughs (and I do snort when I laugh) to make anybody feel more comfortable.
13. The Guy Who Loves to Cook For You. How ironic that he loves to cook for me because I love to eat. This could work.
14. The Divorced Guy Who Understands What Commitment Is. I seriously don’t care that he’s divorced as long as he learned something from his divorce. If he can articulate what went wrong in his marriage and how what he is looking for has changed, I’m all in.
15. The Guy You’ve Seen Around For A While And Always Felt Positively About. He may live in your neighborhood or be a peripheral part of your social circle. If every time you run into him, you think, “That guy seems cool,” why not find out?
16. The Guy Whose Job/Apartment You Might Not Love But Who Treats You Like a Princess. If he treats you like gold and you’re discounting him because of he’s a bartender who lives in studio apartment, you’re focusing on the wrong things. With the exception of him being involved in criminal activities at the bar or hiding dead bodies in his studio apartment, he is highly datable.
17. The Guy You Maybe Weren’t Initially Attracted To But Suddenly Looks Kind Of Cute. People get haircuts and start going to the gym and mature a bit. If this guy is growing on you, give yourself permission to grow on him. That sounded creepier than I intended. I just meant to say, “Go for it!”
18. The Guy Who Isn’t Threatened You Make More Money Than Him — But Doesn’t Try And Freeload Off You Either. Being a successful woman means that there may be a few unenlightened men out there who feel uncomfortable about it. Luckily, he’s not one of them. But he’s also not so comfortable with your success that he’s living on your couch instead of working for a living. He is secure enough in his own career that he can be supportive of yours and, hopefully, occasionally buy you dinner.
Original by Ami Angelowicz