Singletons reveal controversial dating dealbreakers as experts claim people are becoming 'unreasonably picky'
It used to be simple, you'd meet someone, go on a date and if all went well - see them again.But in 2025's hyper-selective dating culture fueled by social media apps, dating has turned into a minefield of 'icks' and red flags. So what exactly is sending singles bolting before dessert and what surprising habits have become instant 'nope' territory?Recently one unidentified user posed the question to Reddit: 'Are my dating dealbreakers too strict?' and it sparked a huge online debate about the topic.The Reddit user, who described himself as a '29-year-old straight man' noted he has been 'actively dating' since he turned 18 and has met a 'wide array of women,' which led him to construct his 'dealbreaker list.' He added that it has helped him 'determine suitability early in the dating stage.'His list of instant turn-offs included cheating in a past relationship, taking recreational drugs on a regular basis, having low standards of hygiene and having extreme political views, amongst other things.He also listed having a sexually transmitted disease, currently being in a 'situationship' with a friend and being a mother as his dealbreakers. An unidentified user listed his 'dating dealbreakers' on Reddit and it sparked a huge online debate about the topic (stock image) He clearly was not alone in his outlook as Reddit was quickly set alight with other singles sharing their own 'red flag' admissions.Many were rapid to agree that they felt bad hygiene was a reason to run straight for the door, with one user writing in the comment section: 'If you haven't just run a marathon that day, there is really no excuse.'Another common response centered around witnessing rudeness or dismissiveness to parents or waitstaff, whilst one person cited crippling social awkwardness and bad communication as another reason to stop seeing someone. Less obvious dealbreakers also surfaced, including some that you may indeed display without even realizing it.'I can't date someone with the same name as my parents,' one user confessed.Another bluntly said that someone using a 'baby voice with a dog' was enough to irk them.A different user commented: 'Ugly laugh.'Even food choices seemed to be valid enough reason to ditch a date as someone else wrote: 'I can't respect a man who eats a well-done steak.' Expert Milla Impola highlighted the importance of being somewhat selective when dating but also emphasized that 'Dating apps also contribute to emotional fatigue' (stock image) 'Also, if I hate your voice it's not working out. Voice is important,' issued another person. 'This is a completely irrational one, but I *cannot* get past poor grammar and syntax,' announced someone else. 'It's an absolutely insane dealbreaker to have but for some reason the moment a guy starts consistently making such errors I get cold feet.'Another was quick to second this, adding: 'When someone doesn't know the difference between your vs you're - drives me INSANE.'However, some observers were swift to raise an eyebrow at some of these individuals for their over-the-top pickiness over seemingly insignificant turn offs.'Some of the things mentioned in this thread really show how desperately people are fighting to stay single,' wrote one.'Relationships don't work anymore because people stopped working together to improve instead of just cutting it off.'Another said: 'Having dealbreakers is a dealbreaker. That's not the type of person I want to be with.'Avengers star Chris Evans has previously weighed in on the topic as he listed his dating no no's back in an interview earlier this month.The star, who has been married to Alba Baptista since September 2023, noted that any potential partner 'must love dogs.'Matchmakers and dating experts have reported that clients today spend more time listing what they don't want then what they do.Dating expert Milla Impola spoke to the Daily Mail about what she thinks is the biggest obstacle limiting romantic success in today's society. Impola highlighted the necessity of being somewhat selective when dating but emphasized that 'dating apps also contribute to emotional fatigue or sometimes becoming unreasonably picky - the finger-numbing swiping, endless talking phases.'Whilst dating apps offer a never ending conveyor belt of possibilities, people are now swiping away at potential partners at the speed of light as the more options we think we have, the less willing we are to tolerate anything that even slightly feels off.'When you're meeting people or swiping on the apps, take note of the reasons you choose not to connect with someone,' Impola advised.'Consider whether they feel overly superficial or judgmental. Nobody is perfect.'
