Before I make any criticism of Prince Charming, let me just state that I am the biggest fan of Disney movies and romcoms. I am easily entertained by over-the top romantic, happily-ever-after endings. Even though I know that fiction is just fiction, until recently, I believed that I must not settle for anything less than the “perfect guy.” This is because throughout my life, pop culture has set unrealistic expectations of the ideal significant other.

So, what’s wrong with Prince Charming? Ever since we were little girls, we were made to believe that we must find a guy who is worthy—someone who is brilliant, handsome, and someone who has the same interests as us. This idea is flawed in so many ways. First, if you fall in love with someone because you think possesses all of those traits, you are not falling in love with the person, you are falling in love with their attributes. Friends and family members want you to date the perception they believe you would be most compatible with. However, we have to see the person other people believe you would be a perfect match with is only their perception. Just because others believe that you will be a perfect match with someone does not mean that you indeed will be. A few months ago, I dated a guy who is pretty close to the conventional Prince Charming. All of my friends expressed that we were the “ultimate power couple,” and meant to be together. However, we weren’t. Let me mention that he was indeed pretty close to what society believes is an ideal partner—intelligent, attractive and caring. Just like myself, he is very ambitious, passionate about cancer research and loves playing soccer more than anything. But those characteristics are just traits that our culture values. More often than not, I have fallen in love with someone who is completely different from me—someone who doesn’t share the same interests, someone who challenges my opinions, someone my friends and family believe will not be a good match for me.

So, the definition of Prince Charming needs some updates. It does not need to be a strong, handsome prince who will come at a perfect timing and sweep you off your feet. It should be someone who you fall in love with because you care about that person. It should be someone who challenges you and opens your eyes to new ideas.