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The Underdogs: Dating undervalued men

An account of why the men we don't look twice at may indeed deserve a second glance.

By Vanessa Milne

My friends, mixed with a few drinks, often fall into a conversation where they sort men by archetype. Like experienced poker players, they rank them and trade up. In this world, jocks beat geeks, accountants top artists, and metrosexual doctors take all.

But if you looked around this circle, you'd find women whose strengths are their quirks. There's the loud girl, whose uncompromising attitude makes her the centre of attention, having the most fun. She's flanked by the perfectionist, with her enviable career and the commitment-phobe who's still waiting for someone good enough.

In their rush to win, women have been trying to stereotype their way to happiness. But maturity brings change. Lori Miller, spokesperson for Lava Life, points out that “as women date men like doctors, they realize it's not all it's cracked up to be and become more openminded.” I'd like to capitalize on that and ante up the forgotten men -- The Underdogs.

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The amateur artist
Last seen: in his parents' basement
At his best, he's a starry-eyed optimist who believes he'll be a star, is adequately talented and has a sensitive soul. He won't panic when you cry, or tell you to buck up when you're fired. Social and easy-to-please, the amateur artist's live-your-dreams, no-compromise, anti-corporate position will give you the optimism other people claim to get from children.
He's for you if: You're frustrated with your office job.

The bad boy
Last seen: smoking out back
This man gets too drunk, hates your friends and thinks that privacy is overrated. But to a certain extent, so do you. This is the guy who says -- and does -- what you wouldn't dare, taking you along for a self-centered spin. He's a reminder that being aggressive can be a good thing. Unfortunately, as soon as he's comfortable, he'll treat you the way he treats everyone else.
He's for you if: You wish you could be back in high school -- for a few weeks.
Next page


1. The amateur artist
2. Self, meet the slob

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