As if love wasn’t already complicated enough, now there’s a new dating trend making waves on TikTok and across social media: Shrekking. And trust me—you don’t want to find yourself doing it.
So what exactly is it?
What Is “Shrekking”?
Inspired by the unlikely romance of Shrek and Fiona, Shrekking describes dating someone you’re not physically attracted to because you think they’ll treat you better than the so-called “hot” options out there.
The idea is simple: if Prince Charming keeps ghosting you, maybe Shrek will stay loyal.
But here’s the catch—dating coach Amy Chan warns that lowering your standards in this way doesn’t guarantee you’ll get treated better. In fact, it often backfires. Many people find themselves “Shrekked”—still getting hurt despite their lowered expectations.
Why People Do It
In today’s swipe-left, swipe-right culture, looks can overshadow substance. So it’s easy to think, Maybe if I date someone less conventionally attractive, I’ll avoid the games and drama.
But relationship experts say this thinking is flawed. True attraction is more than skin deep—it’s built on emotional connection, shared values, and genuine chemistry. If those aren’t there, the relationship is bound to feel forced, no matter how kind or attentive the other person is.
The Bigger Picture
Gen Z may have given it a trendy name, but let’s be honest—this isn’t new. People have been “Shrekking” long before TikTok labeled it. The danger is in believing that settling guarantees happiness. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
Instead of “Shrekking,” the smarter move is to focus on self-worth. Choose partners who align with your values and inspire you—whether or not they look like they walked off a magazine cover.
Stacy Knows Take đź’š
Here’s the truth: love should never feel like a consolation prize. If you find yourself Shrekking just to avoid heartbreak, it’s time to pause and remember—you deserve a partner you’re actually excited about, inside and out.
Because while Fiona may have found her ogre prince charming, in real life, dating down doesn’t guarantee a fairy-tale ending.
Bonus: Dating Buzzwords You Should Know in 2025
Because the language of love is always evolving, here’s a cheat sheet of trending terms so you’re never caught off guard:
✨ Breadcrumbing – When someone gives you just enough attention (a like, a text, a DM) to keep you interested, but never commits.
✨ Ghosting – Disappearing from someone’s life without explanation—still the reigning champion of bad dating behavior.
✨ Orbiting – When someone stops talking to you but keeps lurking—watching your stories, liking your posts, staying in your digital orbit.
✨ Benching – Keeping someone “on the bench” as a backup while pursuing other options.
✨ Zombie-ing – When someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears, acting like nothing happened.
✨ Shrekking – Dating someone you’re not into, thinking they’ll treat you better, but still ending up disappointed.
đź’ˇ Stacy Knows: Dating may come with its fair share of trolls, but knowing the lingo is half the battle. Stay smart, stay playful, and never settle for less than what makes your heart skip a beat.
