From the bad boy to the himbo, you never know quite what you’ll find in the dating pool.
And according to TikTok, there’s a new fish in the sea… or rather, a shrimp.
Videos explaining the concept of a ‘shrimp guy’ have been popping up on the social media site, adding yet another classification of types of people to the ever-growing list.
There’s no nice way of saying it – a shrimp guy is a man whose body is very attractive, but his face is not.
The comparison comes from the fact you remove the crustacean’s head to eat it; effectively the ‘butterface’ insult of yesteryear for a new generation.
Harsh, but TikToker Candise Lin posted a frank explainer on the term, and her video reached 2.5 million views on the platform.
She said: ‘A shrimp is hard to swallow with its head attached, just like a male star who looks hot and handsome when you focus on the body, but you get a little disappointed when you check out his face.
‘God is fair, he opens the door for you but also closes the window.’
Though archetypes like this might seem like just a bit of fun, pigeon holing dates into negative boxes – shrimp-shaped or otherwise – can actually be really damaging.
Kate Mansfield is a dating and relationship coach, and warns those looking for love to steer clear of terms like this.
She tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Using negative labels such as “shrimp guy” will seriously hinder, if not kill, your chances of finding a partner and a real connection.
‘It’s a very destructive pattern that we are seeing on social media and dating apps, where what is actually a form of bullying is being normalised and minimised.’
According to Kate, stereotyping people is ‘destructive’ and ‘sabotage your chances in dating.’
She adds: ‘It’s often a way for people to avoid intimacy and real partnership, where they cling to an unrealistic fantasy ideal of who they are looking for.
‘Often, this person doesn’t exist! My suggestion to my clients is always to raise your standards and lower your expectations. Usually we have this the wrong way around.’
Empathy can’t be taught, but it’s worth reminding yourself how you’d feel if you were labelled with such a descriptor during your search for love.
While there’s nothing wrong with finding certain things attractive, are you judging potential partners against a shallow set of standards that close you off to new opportunities?
‘Try to set clear standards for yourself about your emotional needs, your non-negotiables and your vision for the kind of partner and relationship that you want,’ advises Kate.
‘Focus more on qualities as opposed to looks and externals. Be open minded as to age, race, style and occupation. Sometimes our soulmate comes in a delightfully unexpected package.’
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