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Latest Trend in Dating: Shrekking, Explained - A Detailed Look at This Controversial Dating Practice

Dating trends continue to evolve, with Shrekking now joining the ranks of harmful behaviors like ghosting, gaslighting, zombieing, and Banksying. Unlike these other toxic behaviors, Shrekking involves portraying oneself as unattractive or unpleasant at the start of the relationship, only to...

Unraveling the novel dating phenomenon known as Shrekking: An exploration of its unsavory aspects
Unraveling the novel dating phenomenon known as Shrekking: An exploration of its unsavory aspects

Latest Trend in Dating: Shrekking, Explained - A Detailed Look at This Controversial Dating Practice

In the ever-evolving world of modern dating, two trends have emerged, each offering a stark contrast to the other. On one hand, we have the 'princess treatment' TikTok trend, where some users expect to be treated like royalty in a relationship. On the other hand, there's the recently coined term 'Shrekking', a trend that originated from Gen Z and has become a topic of debate.

'Shrekking' is named after the character Shrek, and it involves deliberately dating someone perceived as less attractive or below one's standards. The hope is that they will treat you better, and your attraction will grow over time. However, this trend often results in rejection or heartbreak, reflecting modern dating frustrations and toxic dynamics in how people approach relationships.

The term 'Shrekking' highlights assumptions about how someone's appearance determines their treatment of others. It embodies a lot that is wrong with dating and highlights its harsh realities. Dating Coach Amy Chan states that assuming someone will treat you better just because they're less attractive is a misconception. Instead, she suggests focusing on assessing a person's character, such as their ability to discuss emotions and kindness towards others.

Meanwhile, the 'princess treatment' refers to being treated well in a relationship, which is often lacking in the 'Shrekking' scenario. However, it's important to note that the 'princess treatment' is a topic of debate, with some viewing it as the bare minimum in a relationship and others as a potential red flag.

The behavior of 'Shrekking' is not new, but the term is. It's a reminder that physical attraction should not be the only basis for a new relationship. The inside (character) of a person should be considered more important than their appearance.

In the midst of these trends, dating apps and swipe culture have contributed to a rise in traumatic dating experiences. Some users on TikTok joke about being traumatized by individuals who resemble characters from Shrek, such as Lord Farquaad or Donkey. It's crucial to learn how to spot performative males in the dating scene, and to avoid the 'Shrekking' trend by focusing on genuine connections and meaningful relationships.

Lastly, it's worth noting that the term 'Shrek' is being used as a negative connotation in the context of dating, implying an unattractive and potentially unkind partner. However, it's essential to remember that everyone deserves respect and kindness, regardless of their appearance.

In conclusion, the trends of 'Shrekking' and the 'princess treatment' offer insights into the complexities of modern dating. They serve as a call to action for individuals to prioritise character over appearance and to strive for genuine connections based on mutual respect and kindness.

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