YaDS

As in, “Yet another Double Standard”.

Call me lonely and bitter if you like, you’re probably right. But somewhat recently I’ve made an observation in scanning various social networking sites. I refer to them as SNS, because saying I’m scanning singles sites makes me feel like a loser. Go figure.

But here’s the deal. Typically, women are asking guys be significantly taller than them (it would seem at least 3 inches) and quite often 5’10" or taller. This is, it would seem, socially acceptable given the frequency it occurs. I will admit, too, I’d feel some discomfort dating a woman remarkably taller than me.

Let’s flip this around though. Say that the guys on such sites started a trend of posting that into their “About my match” type sections, things like “must be a C cup”. Now, it’s true many of these guys are thinking this, but NOBODY is saying it. And if they were saying it, all hell would break lose on the the systems. I guarantee it.

I’m not saying I plan to start thinking this way or think it justified. Just seems to me a common behavior that manages to stay under the radar. Now don’t I just sound pretentious?

Oh, and there’s a SocialSoftwareBlog that supports some of my non-scientific analysis.

—May 26, 2004