Unrealistic Standards Of Perfection : Why The Perfect Partner Doesn’t Exist

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Ishani Kapoor was a twenty-six-year-old hopeless romantic with an unrealistic dream of the perfect man. She was beautiful, intelligent, and fiercely independent, but she had built a fortress of conditions that no man had yet managed to scale.

Her list was exhaustive: he must be at least six feet tall, have an athletic build with sculpted abs, a deep, masculine voice, a charming smile, and eyes that could melt hearts. He had to be a teetotaler, ambitious yet family-oriented, well-read, well-spoken, and above all, utterly devoted to her. No compromises.

Over the years, numerous suitors had come knocking, but each time, she found a reason to say no.

"His voice isn't deep enough."
"He's a great guy, but he has a slight belly."
"He's good-looking but wears glasses-doesn't give that alpha male vibe."

Her parents tried hard to find a match for her. Proposals came from well-respected families, but Ishani rejected them all.

"Ishani, be practical," her mother sighed one evening after another rejection.

"Maa, I don't want to settle for just anyone. I deserve the best," Ishani said, flicking her long hair behind her shoulders.

"And what if your best doesn't exist?" her father muttered, shaking his head.

But Ishani was unyielding.

Then came Varun Malhotra, a colleague at her marketing firm. He had a boyish charm, stood at five feet eleven (one inch short of her ideal), and while he was fit, he didn't quite have the six-pack abs she fantasized about. But he was kind-hearted, witty, and respected by everyone in the office. When he proposed to her, she turned him down without hesitation.

"Varun, you're a great guy, but you're not exactly what I'm looking for," she said with an apologetic smile.

Varun took the rejection in stride, giving her a small smile. "Alright, no hard feelings. Just don't let this affect our work relationship and friendship, okay?""

Ishani simply nodded, brushing off the conversation as she focused back on work.

A Reunion And A Reality Check

A few months later, Ishani attended her college reunion. The air buzzed with nostalgia and chatter, but all eyes were on one couple-Riya and Sameer Kapoor. Sameer had been the heartthrob of their college days: tall, undeniably handsome, charming, and confident. He had been Ishani's dream prototype, but he had chosen Riya, Ishani's closest friend.

Ishani couldn't resist pulling Riya aside. "You are so lucky, Riya! You got the dream man. You two are couple goals."

Riya let out a dry laugh, stirring the drink in her hand. "That's what people think. But do you know the truth?" She leaned in. "My marriage is a mess, Ishani."

Ishani's eyes widened. "What? But Sameer is-"

"A possessive, toxic man who dictates what I wear, where I go, and whom I talk to. He drinks heavily and has had multiple affairs under my nose" Riya's voice wavered. "I'm planning to leave him soon."

Ishani was stunned. "But he seemed so perfect..."

"Perfect on the outside," Riya corrected. "The real measure of any person isn't in their looks, it's in their character. And I learned it the hard way."

That night, Ishani lay awake in bed, replaying Riya's words. All these years, she had been chasing an illusion. What if in her quest for perfection, she had turned away the right people?

The Change Of Heart

The next morning at work, Ishani sat at her desk, deep in thought. She glanced at Varun, who was joking around with colleagues. His laughter was infectious. He wasn't the six-foot-something model she had envisioned, but he was kind, dependable, and had always treated her with respect.

As if sensing her gaze, Varun turned towards her with a smirk. "Okay, so you won't accept my proposal, but at least join me for tea, madam."

Ishani chuckled, shaking her head. Then, surprising herself, she picked up her phone and stood up. "Probably, I can rethink that proposal over tea."

Varun's eyes widened in shock before his face broke into a grin. "Now that's interesting."

As they walked towards the cafeteria together, Ishani felt lighter. Perhaps the perfect partner wasn't the one who ticked all the boxes but the one who made life feel right.

The Challenge Of Finding The Ideal Partner

Finding the ideal partner, one who matches one's aesthetic and personal ideals without any concessions, is a difficult task. Ishani's exhaustive list of conditions-ranging from physical attributes to personality traits-made it nearly impossible for her to find someone who met all her expectations. Despite numerous suitors, she found herself rejecting them over minor imperfections, illustrating the struggle of seeking an ideal that might not exist.

Perfection Beyond Physical Traits

The search for a perfect partner is not merely about good looks or charm but also about emotional and intellectual compatibility. Ishani believed that an attractive and accomplished man would automatically make for a perfect husband. However, the reality was far more complex, as her friend Riya's seemingly perfect marriage later revealed.

The Influence Of Societal Expectations

Cultural and societal expectations often shape one's perception of an ideal partner. Ishani's strict criteria were not only personal preferences but also influenced by the glorified idea of a perfect man portrayed in movies, books, and social circles. Her rejection of potential suitors, including good matches arranged by her parents, highlights how these external influences can prevent individuals from recognizing true compatibility.

The Reality Check : Character Over Aesthetics

Ishani's moment of realization came when she discovered the harsh truth behind Riya's marriage. Despite meeting all the external markers of an ideal husband, Sameer turned out to be controlling, unfaithful, and toxic. This revelation shattered Ishani's illusion of perfection and forced her to reevaluate what truly matters in a partner-character, kindness, and respect rather than superficial qualities.

Reassessing The Definition Of A Perfect Partner

The qualities that sustain a long-term relationship go beyond aesthetics. Ishani's experience made her understand that a loving and supportive partner, even if they do not meet all idealized criteria, is far more valuable. This realization paved the way for her to reconsider her stance on Varun, a kind and dependable colleague whom she had initially dismissed for not ticking all the boxes.

Embracing Imperfection For A Fulfilling Relationship

In the end, Ishani learned that the pursuit of perfection is less about finding someone flawless and more about discovering someone who makes life feel right. As she took a step toward giving Varun a chance, she embraced the idea that true connection is built on mutual respect, companionship, and understanding, rather than a rigid checklist of ideals.