8 Types of Guys You’ll Date in Your 20s (And How to Survive Them)

Your 20s are a time for self-discovery, and that inevitably includes some (read: many) bad decisions – especially when it comes to dating.

In your search for the one, you’ll meet several types of guys; some of them dreamy, others nightmarish, and some just… there.

So, here are 8 kinds of men you’ll meet in your 20s, and how to survive them without giving up on love altogether.

1. The Good Guy

This guy is the golden retriever type. He’s sweet and caring, and he genuinely tries, but you just can’t bring yourself to find him attractive!

Like, not even a little bit.

Whenever he tries to make a move, you get the ick, and it’s not necessarily his fault.

There simply isn’t any chemistry between you two! 

Typically, you let it go on for a bit, since you really want to like him because he’s great, which then leads to him catching feelings.

So, here’s how it plays out: He finally goes for it, and you freeze, because, well, you’re just not into him. Then, he never spoke to you again.

This type of man you can easily survive; the question actually seems to be – can he survive you?

2. The Trouble

There is a more popular name for this type of guy, but we’re not about to use any bad words here.

He’s the one who looks really good, but that’s pretty much it. 

You’re attracted to him, you have good banter, the chemistry is through the roof; however, you’re absolutely incompatible in any meaningful way.

Trying to have a relationship with him – and you’re likely to try in your 20s – feels like trying to build a house on quicksand.

It’s typically drama from day one, and it leaves you both exhausted.

At some point, and hopefully soon, you will come to realize that you two will never be on the same page.

This type of man is the one who helps you learn the difference between surface-level chemistry and love. 

You can survive him by coming to understand that what he has to offer really isn’t worth the emotional rollercoaster.

3. The Love Bomber

This is the type that drops the “I love you” on a second date. After a week, you’re the soulmate he’s waited for his whole life!

And though he can be sweet, he’s also a little bit terrifying.

He has a well-established pattern. He love-bombs at first; he wants to see you every day and never misses sending a good morning and a good night text.

Then, out of nowhere, he ghosts you.

He’s gone for weeks, and by the time he tries to crawl back, you’ve already moved on.

A relationship with this type of man cannot possibly last longer than three months; it’s like an unwritten rule.

Oh, but he will haunt your social media forever! He’ll look at your stories, and even DM you out of the blue.

Survive him by recognizing the pattern early; the love-bombing is the only red flag you need to see before leaving.

4. The Older Guy

In your 20s, the maturity and stability of older men can seem very attractive.

This type of man approaches you with an attitude that he gets you, unlike men your age. Not to mention, the age gap kind of feels like an adventure.

But then, probably years down the line, you look back and get creeped out.

The “you’re so mature for your age” line starts to ring quite differently.

From a wiser perspective, you come to see that you really weren’t that mature for your years – he just wasn’t mature for his.

He chose you because you were more easily impressed than women his age.

Survive him by setting boundaries, and not letting yourself fall for him just because he strokes your ego.

5. The Other Older Guy

This type of guy is a true gentleman. 

Though he mostly has the same red flags as the previous one, he actually might get you better than your peers.

You don’t have to tell him to surprise you for your birthday or to take you dancing. He knows what you expect and delivers.

His music taste is typically awesome, he’s polite, and overall respectful.

This one pretty much comes down to your gut feeling.

If something about him seems performative or dishonest, it’s best to step away.

Keep your eyes open, even when you’re having a good time.

6. The Younger Guy

This type of guy either ends up being your best relationship or the one you never even want to talk about again.

Sometimes, the younger guy can turn out to be surprisingly mature, and just feels like the right fit.

Other times, you end up feeling ashamed that you ever dated him because it feels like a huge mistake.

This type of man mostly ends up being the one that got away; you had fun, there was chemistry, he cared, but something got in the way.

Be honest with yourself and own your mistakes.

You can survive this one by letting go of your regrets.

7. The Guy With Demons

This type of man is always fighting his demons – and losing. 

He’s the one who kind of jerks you around by always being hot and cold.

You two can have the best time together, text constantly, he gives you all the attention in the world – but the moment you ask for a little vulnerability, he goes poof.

You’re left wondering what it all meant; was there actually something real between you, or you just made it all up?

He’s a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for.

Survive him by knowing exactly what you want and not accepting less.

At the end of the day, he can’t handle his own problems. It’s not your job to handle them for him.

8. The One (If You’re Lucky)

Some women meet this guy in high school, others in their 20s, and some later.

This is the type who enters your life without a warning. And you mostly just vibe with him without any intentions or conscious efforts.

There are no fireworks, no anxiety, no mess; you’re just confortável and you’re being yourself.

At first, you might even doubt if you really like him because it feels too easy.

This is exactly what people mean when they say that true love comes when you least expect it. 

He’s the one who feels like home.

You don’t need to survive him; you just need to keep him.