Ever since I turned 30, it seems like many of my peers (myself included) are hell-bent on settling down and finding “the one.” I’m not sure if it’s the fact that we’re getting older and our biological clocks are ticking, or if people are looking at others and basing their lives off of where they think they should be. What I do know is that I am surrounded by a number of people who are more than frustrated because they have not found their mate yet. In fact, some are downright angry.
I used to get angry too. For quite some time, I allowed my anxiousness and excitability to control my actions when looking for my life partner. Some are so upset at still being alone to the point where they’ve:
1. Demanded to know what someone who is interested in them wants immediately (like before you even have a first date)
2. Have constantly questioned their own worth and what they bring to a relationship
3. Made pacts with friends of the opposite sex to marry by the time they turned 35 if they’re still single
4. Created hashtags on social media with the year they are going to get married despite not even dating anyone/being engaged (ex: #M2017 = married by 2017)
5. Given up on dating completely until they move out of state and/or the country
The struggle is real.
I get it, and wouldn’t be telling the truth if I sat here and acted like I didn’t have to stop myself from committing some of the above actions on more than one occasion. But unless you’re among the small number of beings who was lucky enough to meet the love of your life at 12, you’re going to meet at least a few of following personality types when dating before you meet the one.
1. The Crazy One
If you’re still single and have yet to date the crazy type, get ready. They’re too good to be true because, well, it’s a lie. You mistake their fits of rage after finding a text from an associate as “caring.” At first, you’ll perceive their behavior as “a symptom of being in love” instead of the red flag that he/she is controlling and possibly covering up their own tracks.
Everyone has allowed their emotions to get the best of them at some point, but this person always does. You’ll find them staked out in front of your crib at three a.m. because you didn’t reply to their text messages right away. This is one of the few personality types that most won’t deal with for long. Insecure people like this will drive any sane person away fast, but these types usually prey on those with low self-esteem. Their insanity often turns into physical and mental abuse, a tool they use to manipulate and keep you at bay. Hopefully, you’ll be gone before I finish this sentence.
2. The Best Friend
You’ve been friends for quite some time, but are just now noticing that you’re attracted to each other. You know each other: from their favorite foods to that time he slept with his college roommate’s girlfriend. The friendship is too sacred for the relationship not to work, so you go for it. So what your friend cheated on everyone he/she has every dated?! With you it will be different.
But it isn’t. The best-friend breakup is particularly bad because you least expect it. This is someone who knows what you’ve been through and has been that shoulder to lean on during tough times. Now they’re the one causing you harm and you have no shoulder to lean on. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve seen a couple of successful relationships rooted in friendship. But some friends hook up out of desperation and convenience, so don’t take it personal if it doesn’t work out.
3. The Wild Card
With the wild card, you never know what you’re going to get. You’re intrigued by the “danger of it all.” You stick with them for the excitement, and the false belief that you can tame this wild and free soul. Most wild cards have commitment and stability issues, but we see their problems as “living on the edge” or “going with the flow.” Nevermind the clusterf*ck of an emotional roller coaster they put you through.
These individuals have a stream of short-term relationships that all end due to the “other person’s issues.” The wild card never takes responsibility for their own actions and will constantly try to manipulate you with passive-aggressive behavior when you call them out on their bull. Trust, this isn’t a ride at the amusement park that you’ll want to wait in line for.
Read the rest at EBONY.
shantelljamison.com 
You forgot one more.
The one you ask to marry you.
Their smile is infectious. Joy seems to emanate from them. Every time you are in the room together they light up your world. Even though you have been in few relationships (or none at all) being in their presence fills you with confidence. So you plan to pop the question. One day, when things are going slow, you tap them on the shoulder and invite them into a private room (you are careful not to pop the question in front of too many people. That would be embarrassing.). You should bee nervous about asking, but this person fills you with ease. Almost effortlessly, you pop the question. “Would you marry me”? Did she say yes or no? Probably no, but it’s ok. This person’s radiant personality puts you at ease. You never regret asking.
lol John that sounds like the one.
Naw actually she wasn’t quite the one. But at least I had the ability to ask. I can tell it’s going to be much harder when I meet “the one”.
With the one it shouldn’t be hard at all.
Disappearing Acts
He’s the one that has so much potential. The chemistry is great. He has no problem declaring his commitment to you. You spend a tremendous amount of time together. Neither of you are each other’s “secret”. Then all of a sudden, he disappears….no calls, no texts, nothing. Just completely disappears. You try to figure out what happened between the two of you that made them suddenly exit. Then, right after you get over them, they reappear. With no real explanation for what happened. Just apologies and promises that they won’t make that mistake again. You want to believe them. So, you do. But I’ll be damned if in 6 months it doesn’t happen again. Finally, you decide that whatever it is, you want no parts of it and move on.
BOOGGGUUSSS….but so real. I’ve never met him thank God. The thing about this list is that some are lucky enough not to have to go through all of them while others deal with these PLUS. The struggle is real.
Gosh just reading these types, one feels the energy draining from meeting them.
It is draining, but the one who you’re supposed to be with will replenish you.