Dating, in my opinion, doesn’t get any easier or more enjoyable over time. I’ve definitely had my share of awful dates. There was “Steve”, who showed up hammered, went to the washroom, and left me with the bar tab. There was “Adam” who ordered for me, burped on the food, and wouldn’t let me end the date. Finally, can’t forget “Brett” who physically picked me up, twirled me around, and left a 2 minute apology voicemail for all the things he felt he said wrong on the date. Note: their names were changed to protect their identities, though I don’t know why I care to do that.

When it comes to dating, we all have our “one date wonders” that we will laugh about over wine with the girls later. Then we have our five guys, no not the burgers, but the five guys it seems like all girls have to date. It’s almost like it’s a right of passage for straight, females everywhere.

So let’s drink to the 5 guys most every girl dates (or at least I did):

1. The bad boy. Cliche to start with him, I know. Your friends didn’t like him. Your family couldn’t stand him. And as soon as you cleared the radius of his ridiculous charm, you didn’t like him either. More than likely he happened a little younger in life. He taught you that when your loved ones say he’s not right for you, he’s probably not right for you.

2. The one that was a day too late. You liked this one, but your lives never lined up. You were single when he wasn’t, he was single when you weren’t. You were heartbroken when he was ready or he was heartbroken when you were ready. Just when your lives aligned, he either moved or you moved. Or a major life switch occurred. He taught you to be more bold with your feelings, and if you feel a certain way about someone you can’t hide behind later because later doesn’t always come.

3. The guy you didn’t date, but also sort of dated. He usually has alluring blue or green eyes. Something about his light eyes made you want to believe he was being honest as he charmed you with every line in the book. You knew better than to believe that he truly cared, but you bought into it because NO WAY THOSE EYES COULD LIE. He taught you that no matter how charming words are, actions speak louder.

4. The one that broke your heart. This guy, THIS FREAKING GUY. He was everything to you. He was your Hallmark Christmas movie because you couldn’t believe how perfectly it started. You loved him with a love that felt like it could never end, but it did. Usually this one doesn’t end well. He doesn’t just break up with you and allow your heart to move on, he does it dramatically. He cheats, sends a text message break up, or dumps you in public. He taught you that love is the most beautiful feeling in the world, but that trust is a rare gift.

5. The one that got away. You thought the one that broke your heart was the worst, but on the contrary, it’s the one whose heart you broke. Unfortunately he usually comes too close to #4, and you let him get away. You’ll find one “flaw” to tell yourself it’ll never work, like he lives too far away. Guess what girl, he probably would’ve moved for you. You’ll replay this relationship over and over in your head. Reliving the moments. This one is the worst because it’s hard to forgive yourself for letting him go. And just when you think you’re over dwelling on him, he’ll crash your dreams. He taught you that while trust is a rare gift, there are people out there who deserve it. And it’s okay to let them in.

For me, the one that got away was the worst. Still to this day I think about him. I get mad at myself and at all the ones before that made me think I couldn’t trust him. While I’m still looking for my finale, I’ve learned that love is real. And all these guys, while frustrating and heart breaking, have taught me how to better love #6… The forever one. Until then, pour some wine girl – we’ll find him.