On a third date, a guy and I were sharing how well we both felt we got along and how well matched we seemed to be. He surprised me when he said, “Don’t idealize me.” I hadn’t been. I was clear on his imperfections, yet was enjoying the parts that I liked.
It can be easy to idealize someone after a few dates if he seems to fit your perfect-guy criteria. About another man I wrote in my journal, “There were no red flags —- is that a red flag that he has no immediately detectable flaws?”
Seeing no detectable flaws is a very good sign that you are idealizing. If you feel yourself falling head over your Jimmy Choos within the first few dates, that is another sign. You are overlooking potential red — or at least yellow — flags.
You may say, “What’s the problem with idealizing? Isn’t that what being in love is? You only see the positives of the subject of your ardor?”
Idealizing means you barely notice any foibles. And if you do observe them, you dismiss their being a problem. He’s always late for your dates? He just gets distracted at work. He didn’t remember your birthday? He has so much on his mind he forgot. He doesn’t apologize when he inconveniences you? He means to, but it’s hard for him. And on and on we go, offering excuses to anyone who asks.
However, what if he idealizes you? One man I dated came close to this. It seemed I could do no wrong. And if I did something like be late for a date, although I called to let him know I was stuck in traffic, he brushed over any hint that I could do anything untoward. While it was nice to have the ground beneath my feet worshipped, I knew it also meant that I would be tumbling from my pedestal at some point. That time came 7 weeks into our dating when he emailed me that he’d like us to just be friends. I don’t know how long chunks had been falling from my marble column.
So while it can be exhilarating to be in the bliss of adoring someone so much you hardly note the gnats of his failings, it is also dangerous as it’s easy to lose your heart, and with it your common sense. Best to have the strength to ask a few good friends what they see, and not get defensive when they point out what your blind spot is blocking.
And while it can be flattering and ego enhancing to be on the receiving end of idealized adoration, know that it is not healthy. Your eventual fall from the pedestal can be painful if you don’t help your devotee see that his effusiveness is not entirely warranted.
R.L. Morgan, “The Dating Goddess,” brings you her experience from the front line of dating after 40 — having dated 73 men in 2 years after her 20-year marriage broke up. Read her insights and lessons to help you date more effectively. She’s a bestselling author, Oprah guest, and speaker. Read all of the Dating Goddess’s wisdom at Adventures in Dating After 40, http://www.DatingGoddess.com .