AITA for telling my acquaintance she should improve herself or lower her standards if she wants to find a man?

In today’s whirlwind of modern dating, the search for a perfect partner is fraught with challenges and contradictions. A recent story highlights one woman’s relentless quest for an ideal match—a quest marred by lofty standards and a disconnect between what she seeks and her own lifestyle.

Amid lively brunches and candid conversations, a friend’s straightforward advice sparked controversy and reflection. This narrative invites us to explore whether honesty in friendship is a helpful nudge toward self-improvement or simply a trigger for defensiveness, setting the stage for an engaging and relatable exploration of modern romance.

‘AITA for telling my acquaintance she should improve herself or lower her standards if she wants to find a man?’

I have an acquaintance “Lola” 26F who is single and has been looking for a partner for a very long time. She is on every dating app and wears white whenever we go out to “manifest a husband.” I don’t choose to hang out with her alone (you will see why) but she is friends with a couple of my friends and so we hang out in groups a lot together.

When we hang out, she constantly complains about her dating life. Even if we’re talking about something completely different, she finds some way to make the conversation about her boy troubles. Though I avoid direct conversation with her about this, and leave it to others to validate her, it has become abundantly clear why she cannot bag a man.

Lola has a long list of demands, most of which she does not meet. She wants someone who is ambitious in his career and makes six figures (she works part time and lives with her parents, and doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to move out). He needs to go to the gym regularly and take care of his body (Lola is overweight and hates exercise).

He needs to play an instrument and be into music (Lola says she has never picked up an instrument in her life). He has to be over six foot two (Lola is five foot two). She complains that when we go out no guys approach her, but I’ve seen plenty of guys ask her to dance, buy her a drink, etc and she rejects all of them.

I stay quiet when Lola goes on her long, frequent rants, but a few days ago we were at brunch with somen other friends and she asked me specifically for advice. My fiancée “Jim” is tall, athletic, and ambitious and musically gifted, and she wanted to know how I got him. I tried my best to explain to her nicely that people tend to choose partners who are similar to themselves.

Jim and I go to the gym together every day, we both are very dedicated to our jobs, and we have a lot of similar hobbies and interests, so we have a lot to talk about. I told her that if she wants to find a man like that, she should consider applying herself more in her job, going to the gym, and picking up a hobby she wants her partner to have.

Otherwise, she could either date a guy that is interested in her as she is, or be comfortable with being single. I thought I was being very polite, but this completely killed the mood. Lola got really upset and accused me of fat shaming her (even though I never said anything about losing weight–just going to the gym because she wants her partner to go to the gym).

One of my friends told me Lola is worthy and deserving of a great guy and doesn’t need to change herself. I effectively ended the brunch with what I thought was helpful advice. Afterwards, I got some texts from friends demanding I apologize to Lola, but others supporting me and telling me that I was right and Lola was way too sensitive.

I was trying to help, but would it have been better if I just lied? Was that an inappropriate thing to say in that setting? Was it an AH move for me to give that advice?

Offering blunt advice in delicate matters of the heart can stir both introspection and controversy. In this case, the author’s attempt to present a mirror to Lola’s self-imposed standards opens up a broader discussion about authenticity in dating. It raises questions about whether genuine connection is possible when expectations soar above realistic self-behavior.

Lola’s struggle reflects a common modern dilemma: the desire for an ideal that is often out of reach because it mirrors one’s own shortcomings. Instead of meeting potential partners on equal footing, she maintains a checklist that does not align with her lifestyle. This dissonance, as discussed by relationship experts, tends to hinder genuine connections, leaving many caught in a loop of unfulfilled romantic pursuits.

Broadly speaking, societal expectations and the self-improvement craze have increasingly influenced modern dating trends. Research from various sources suggests that shared interests and mutual values often outweigh superficial attributes in forming lasting relationships. As such, the advice to build one’s life around the characteristics they admire in others can be both practical and empowering in today’s romantic landscape.

Ultimately, the takeaway for anyone navigating the dating world is to align one’s lifestyle with the qualities they admire. Whether it means hitting the gym more regularly or actively pursuing personal interests, self-improvement can create space for more natural and fulfilling relationships. The advice, though blunt, invites readers to reflect on their own standards and consider whether the pursuit of perfection might sometimes block the path to genuine connection.

Check out how the community responded:

Here are some hot takes from the Reddit community – candid and humorous. These voices capture the mix of support and criticism that such blunt advice naturally provokes. Though some appreciate the honesty, others prefer a more empathetic approach. Regardless, the discussion itself serves as a reminder that modern dating is as much about personal evolution as it is about finding the right partner.

Lucky-Procedure-500 − NTA. You gave Lola honest, helpful advice when she asked for it. You didn't fat shame her, just pointed out that people often date those with similar lifestyles. If she wants a fit, successful guy, she should work on those things herself. Lola got defensive when faced with the truth.

Your friends are enabling her unrealistic expectations by saying she deserves an amazing guy no matter what.. Sometimes we need to hear hard truths from our friends, even if it hurts at first.

[Reddit User] − NTA. If you want to meet guys who go to the gym, then going to the gym would seem to be an obvious step. Blindingly obvious in fact, and not fat shaming at all. People of all sizes go to gyms.

LaurelCrash − Crazy how wearing white isn’t enough to manifest the tall stacked rich musical hunk she’s searching for.. NTA. Your friends are T A H for continuing to feed into her delusions.

[Reddit User] − The truth hurts. You are NTA for answering her question with your truth, and it doesn't seem you were harsh about it (you might have been a little if some people told you you shouldn't have said that, but not everyone has the same sensitivity). And I personally think you are right.

The question I am more ambivalent about is: will she hear you? If she rejects everything you said, then maybe it would have been better to keep it for yourself. I hope she will realize that she should stop her search based on a grocery list but look at the people around and give a chance to guys that don't fit the profile but will make good partners.. I am quite sure it's not the last time she will complain...

thebaronobeefdip − NTA If her friends wanna feed her delusions, that's on them. You were as polite about it as one can be and aren't wrong. If you're a 3 with no intention of bettering yourself, you're out of your mind thinking you deserve a 10. Nobody owes it to her to date downwards just because she wants to be a coddled, pampered b** all her life.

YouthNAsia63 − Well, Lola can keep on doing exactly what she has been doing… annnd how is that working out for her? Lola asked you, you responded. Sucks for Lola that Lola won’t listen to good advice from somebody that had a man exactly like what Lola said she wanted. But of course Lola is lovely and perfect and nothing should be changed about her or her dating strategy! And it is never a good time to say otherwise. NTA

Big_Zucchini_9800 − NTA but I get why she only heard the gym bit as fat-shaming, so a little NAH. I had a best friend for YEARS who was a dude just like Lola. Only wanted to date a 10 while he was a 4. The problem wasn't that he was a 4, but that he personally assigned numerical values to people! He was overweight but wouldn't date a woman anywhere near his size.

(I love plus-size women so I fought him on it constantly.) He wanted her to have a laundry list of stellar qualities and also to love him for all his many faults. The double standard was MASSIVE and in his case there was also a lot of misogyny in it. I told him over and over that his standards for someone else and his personal values for himself were totally out of wack.

He never heard me, and as far as I know he is still single. If Lola was looking for

If she holds out for Prince Charming then it's not her fault that she's single, but if she takes a chance on her neighbor and gets dumped then it will be because she wasn't good enough.

Thesexyone-698 − NTA, she kept going on. She's going to miss out on someone who would be perfect for her but she's stuck on a list.  She can either have her list to keep her warm at night or start dancing with the guys that actually ask. I'm 5'2 and my hubby is 5'7. 

Spirited-Eye-8082 − Honesty without empathy is cruelty, none of us were there to see how you expressed yourself and we cannot know for sure whether you acted like an AH or not. If you don't want a friend like Lola, then don't have a friend like Lola. Staying away from situations that make you feel awkward is keeping oneself healthy.. Also, it kinda sounds like Lola wants your man.

monanananana − lol who actually believes this post is even real 

In conclusion, the narrative of Lola and the candid advice given opens up an engaging conversation on the balance between self-improvement and accepting oneself. It challenges us to consider how our standards, whether realistic or idealized, impact our search for love.

What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation? Share your thoughts and experiences—let’s spark a respectful debate on whether blunt honesty is a virtue or a vice in the realm of modern romance.

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