Because 'comfort' is another type that many seek, Thairath Plus invites you to explore modern love trends like 'Shrekking' and 'Freak Match,' which encourage us to be ourselves, stop chasing perfect relationships, and openly accept each other’s oddities with mutual ease.
'Shrekking' in relationships doesn't mean lowering standards but choosing what genuinely makes us comfortable.
As many understand, the term Shrekking originates from the legendary animation Shrek (2001), which breaks the traditional fairy tale mold where a princess must marry and love a prince forever. Instead, Princess Fiona chooses not the handsome Prince Charming or the wealthy Lord Farquaad, but the big green ogre whom the town sees as a freak. Ultimately, she abandons her human form, considered beautiful by society, to live comfortably in the ogre form with Shrek.
Though some view Shrekking relationships as 'lowering standards' by choosing partners with ordinary looks or those who don’t fit society’s conventional ideals, psychological perspectives explain that choosing comfort over appearance is another relationship style valuing inner qualities first.
Emma Hathorn, a dating and relationship expert, explained, 'Appearance and personality are not connected at all.' So, no matter how attractive someone is, it doesn't guarantee their personality matches their looks.
At the same time, being with someone perfect by societal standards often requires sacrifices—maintaining an image, suppressing feelings, and constantly trying to be the best version of ourselves. In contrast, Shrekking dating isn’t just about allowing the other to be themselves, but also permitting ourselves to be authentic, making the dating space safe and comfortable for both.
'Freak Match': Because sometimes relationships need someone who accepts our quirks more.
The term Freak Match (sometimes known as 'Match My Freak') isn’t limited to sexual preferences but refers to seeking compatibility through shared 'weirdness.' Deep down, everyone has unique quirks or aspects others might not understand—whether tastes, behaviors, likes, or small habits that seem irrational to outsiders. Often, the best relationships aren’t about liking the same things but sharing dislikes or having quirks that both understand best.
In the past, people often hid these odd traits to conform to social standards. Today, many seek relationships with people who have unique individuality and charm. Finding a Freak Match—someone who truly accepts us—helps relationships avoid hurt, prevents emotional baggage, and fosters freedom, trust, and stronger stability.
So why does feeling comfortable outweigh mere visual appeal?
A global dating trend report from Bumble states that singles worldwide are entering the Val-Core Dating era—focusing on inner values. Over 60% of respondents said they seek someone who dares to show vulnerability and offers comfort rather than someone who simply fits conventional appearance standards. People are tired of trying to be perfect constantly, so simplicity and being oneself have become top attractions.
Meanwhile, research on online dating views by Pew Research Center found that especially women and young people face Dating App Fatigue. Satisfaction in finding matches does not depend on the number of attractive matches but on 'sincerity' and 'feeling safe during conversations.' The findings reflect that younger generations prioritize emotional security over external types clearly.
Furthermore, relationship psychology research published in the American Psychological Association journal aligns with this, showing that factors indicating happiness and relationship quality aren’t external traits or initial attraction but Perceived Partner Responsiveness—feeling seen, understood, and accepted for our true selves.
Therefore, Shrekking and Freak Match relationships aren’t about 'lowering standards' but about truly understanding each other’s identities, daring to step outside others’ norms and values, and valuing inner feelings—like someone who laughs at the same silly things, listens when we’re having the worst days, and truly sees our imperfections.
However, it’s not wrong to value both appearance and comfort. But if one day we must choose between Shrek and a prince, we need to weigh carefully what matters more. Because in a world already harsh and chaotic, love shouldn’t be another source of stress constantly testing us.