Staff Reports
Isn’t it a peculiar time we’re living in, when an abundance of choices leads not to satisfaction, but to a crisis of expectation? Social media has ushered in a brave new world where everyone seems to be a superstar, and it’s causing some rather amusing side effects, particularly in the dating realm.
Think back to the days of yore when a person might only encounter a handful of so-called “tens” in their entire life. Those rare sightings were treasured, the stuff of legends. Fast forward to today, and it seems the internet is overflowing with flawless faces, giving everyone the impression that perfection is just a swipe away. But here’s the rub: when every Instagram scroll presents a new dazzling beauty, some folks begin to fall into a delusion. Suddenly, even the average Joe feels entitled to only the best, forgetting where they might stand on the attractiveness scale.
It’s quite a comedy of errors. Picture the scene: some fellow, who could generously be rated a “four at best,” critiques others for lacking in the aesthetics department. His sense of entitlement is fueled by the constant stream of so-called “baddies” online. In this upside-down world, he disregards someone because her hairstyle wasn’t perfect or her smile wasn’t straight from a Hollywood dentist’s chair. All the while, his resume is, to put it lightly, in need of a serious overhaul.
This brings up the hilarious paradox of modern romance: sometimes the loudest judgments come from the least fitting of judges. Just because one is funny doesn’t mean one is funny enough to pull off the impossible—attracting perfection without being in the same ballpark.
So, is the problem really that there are too many “tens” around, or is it the fogged-up glasses of those who wander through this field of dreams? For these misled souls, the belief that a line of better options stretches endlessly ahead does more harm than good. It’s a delusion that won’t hold up when reality comes calling.
Next time one finds themselves caught in this whirlwind of unrealistic expectation, perhaps it’s worth pausing. Instead of searching for that elusive perfect ten, it might be wise to check if one’s own life—in real and social media terms—matches the high standards they seem to demand of others. A little self-awareness and modesty go a long way, turning winding roads of delusion into more navigable paths of realism. And maybe, just maybe, that’s where the truly satisfying matches can be found.
