From ‘he must eat at Frankie & Benny’s’ to ‘he must not have visited Rome’… four fussy women share their VERY strict dating checklists
Their massive lists include non-smokers, daily sex, quiet eaters, world travellers, Mariah Carey fans, sunbathers...
WE all have traits we find attractive in the opposite sex but for some women tall, dark and handsome just doesn’t cut it.
Earlier this month, viewers of Channel 4’s First Dates were shocked when Jade Ainsworth revealed her staggering 22-point checklist for finding a man, including “no snorers” and “no living with parents”.
With superficial dating apps like Tinder encouraging us to swipe right for anyone that doesn’t make us go weak at the knees, could our penchant for pickiness be sabotaging our chances of finding love?
We speak to four single women who won’t settle for any man unless he meets every point on their checklist.
GEMMA Marsh, 31, has been single for two months after breaking up with her partner of three years.
The beauty therapist, from Bournemouth, has had four partners but says none of them fit in with her lifestyle.
She says: "I love to travel. I’ve been working abroad for the past three years, so I need a guy who will take off with me when I get the urge.
"I’m independent and he needs to be the same. If a guy sees his mum all the time it’s a no-go. He can’t live with his parents. I refuse to date someone who sits down every Sunday for family dinner.
"I have a high sex drive so he has to keep up. Minimum five times a week, ideally seven.
"He has to play lead guitar in a band. If they take a back seat, like playing bass, then it’s not sexy. I’ve always dreamt about being a guitarist’s wife and travelling the world on tour.
"I see nothing wrong with making a checklist. I refuse to compromise."
CARER Kandy Dolor has a checklist longer than most people’s weekly food shop. Mum to Savannah, 12, and six-year-old Dayren, from Harrow, North West London, she won’t consider dating unless each of her “must-haves” are met. The 31-year-old says: "Lasagne is my signature dish. If my man doesn’t like it then he can’t sit at my table.
"Liking the same things is important. He’s got to like pop and happy music.
"But most of all, a man that wants to be part of my life has to share my love for Mariah Carey. I listen to the Make It Happen album every morning for motivation.
"People may find my checklist strange, but I’m not settling for second best.
"Even if I never find a man to tick all the boxes, I won’t change any of them.
"There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want and I know that if a guy doesn’t meet this criteria then it won’t make me happy."
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PICKY Raquel Rocca admits she’s a stickler for good hygiene and Topman shoes.
"The 29-year-old hostess from Beckenham, Kent, has had two relationships, one of which lasted just six months. She says: "You can tell a lot from man’s shoes and there are some no-gos from me. I hate flip flops.
"Same goes for long socks with trainers, or trainers with a suit. And they have to be Topman if they are smart, or Converse if it’s casual.
"I hate yellow teeth. In this day and age it costs nothing to buy teeth-whitening strips. And if he has bad breath, I call the date off immediately.
"My family are from Rome and I really want to share my hometown with my partner, so if he has already been there it takes the fun out of it.
"People might think it’s harsh but it’s up to the guy to pay. How are you meant to plan a future or buy a house with a guy if he can’t even pay for a meal?"
YOUTH worker Tanya Brazier created a very specific checklist in a bid to stop her falling for the wrong man after her marriage ended.
The 31-year-old, from Preston, Lancashire, says: "I have a two-drink rule on a date, if he is downing the pints then it’s a no from me.
"I don’t like gym-goers and I won’t date any guy who owns a tracksuit – it’s chavvy.
"A man should never be skinnier than the girl. And if he takes longer than me to get ready it’s a turn-off.
"My four-year-old son, Jack, keeps me on my toes so it’s vital to get my shut-eye in.
"I get seven hours’ sleep every night so I need my man to have the same sleep pattern as me.
"I don’t want any more children so he can’t want them either.
"I’m looking for someone for me and my son, so I’m not going to apologise for being fussy. I refuse to settle for anyone who isn’t perfect."
