Once upon a time, it was a simple “good morning” text from a man enough for a reason to go out with him. But now, thanks to RomantasThe book genre that mixes themes on romance and imagination, dating standards have changed.
As more and more women read Romanta’s novels as’Onyxstorm“and”A court with towers and roses,“They fall in love with the male protagonists. And these men are not only furious – they are emotionally intelligent, they kill dragons, they cross kingdom for love and they simply give orgasms. Some men in the real world, but still learn what a clitoris is.
“These men have definitely raised my standards,” says Taylor Weir, 29. Weir is a romantic reader, saying that her favorite fictional men put her partner in front of someone else. “I love to see men long for women because it shows vulnerability, emotional depth and confidence in their masculinity,” which is missing in her real interaction with men, she adds.
For Alyssa Wehr, 28, her love for fictional men like Xaden Riorson from “Fourth Wing” and Cassian from “A Court of Thorns and Roses” also made her less interested in dating. “Many fictional men are emotionally intelligent and can effectively communicate, and although I know it is possible for a guy in reality to be these things as well, it feels like they have to go through a whole trip to get there,” she says. “I’m too impatient for that.”
Although Romantas may originate as a form of escapism, the genre has quickly changed to something much more powerful. These novels are not just a form of entertainment anymore – they have become a guide on how women deserve to be treated.
“Wanting a man who listens, has a certain degree of emotional intelligence and taking care of his partner does not have too high expectations.”
Elodie Colliardauthor of “Unbearably your (it’s always been you)“Says that when she writes romance novels, there are some basic principles that her male fictitious characters must embody.” They should be understanding, attentive and communicative, “she says. Even as a reader of the genre, she says she wants to read about a man who is” everything in “and knows everything about his love interest, including” all the things she never thought he would be a mark. ”
It is worth noting that many of these male characters are written by female writers for the female gaze. But for those who can argue that Romantas has raised the bar too high for men, Colliard holds disagree. “Wanting a man who listens, has a certain degree of emotional intelligence and taking care of his partner does not have too high expectations,” she says. “It meets your partner’s basic needs.”
The fictional male characters of the best romantic are not perfect. But they are consistent, they show up when they say they will do it, and they make their partners a priority. In a world there Dating -apps feel impossibleThe Ghost is commonAnd error communication is the norm, it is no surprise that these fictional men are more desirable.
Although Colliard is in a healthy relationship, if she had to choose to date again today, she would not. “I would choose to spend my evening with my favorite fictitious man than to have a drink with a guy I don’t know,” she says. With Shade dads Like Xaden, Rhysand and Cassian, I do not blame her. Will men in real life be able to compete? Maybe they should start noting.
Taylor Andrews (She/her) is Balance Editor on PS, specializing in subjects relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and story. Before she came to PS 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.
