A new dating trend has taken off, and people are dubbing it ‘Shrekking’ - yes, if you’re picturing the big green ogre, you’re on the right track.
The latest trend swamping TikTok and Gen Z dating culture isn’t an “accidentally in love” moment.
Instead, people are intentionally dating down on an attractiveness scale, prioritising personality, kindness, and connection over looks.
Sounds like a fair call to not focus on appearances, but it might be more problematic than you’d think.
‘Shrekking’ is essentially dating someone you consider to be below your standards, under the impression that because you’re out of their league, you’re less likely to get hurt by them.
On the flip side, getting 'Shrekked' is also circulating, and it’s when Shrekking doesn’t quite go to plan.
One TikToker explained: “We’ve all been there… We give the guy we're not attracted to a chance, thinking that he will for sure know what he has and treat us well. And then we get traumatised by a whole troll.”
Relationship coach Vanessa Antonio has said that Shrekking might not be the best move to foster a healthy relationship.
Speaking to Bilyonaryo News, Coach Vee says by Shrekking, “you are operating through fear and not love”.
It is very possible for somebody who had ‘Shrekked’ to think they are more dominant than their partner.
“Now that person is way less in value, and that’s what makes a relationship dangerous because you have this more dominant mentality,” she added.
So if you’re considering 'Shrekking', maybe think about the risk of being 'Shrekked'.
Personality and connection should ABSOLUTELY matter - but deliberately settling for someone you’re not attracted to might not lead to your happily ever after.
You might actually just be staying far, far away from your perfect partner.
