"athletic" and "anything outdoors".....

PeekABooGirl

OK so in the online world - first of all SO MANY guys put that they love anything outdoors. Not necessarily explaining more. My assumption is camping, hiking, skiing, biking, etc. But I have a hard time believing ALL GUYS are like that. Still, seems to be in about 99% of the profiles I come across. I'm so NOT an outdoors person. I love the beach. I love going to the park on a nice day. Or an outdoor wine festival. But really? Are that many guys outdoor types. Can say I've really ever known anyone personally who is that into the outdoors. Can anyone explain??

And furthermore - why do so many men put that they're looking for a "fit/athletic" woman. When I see that, I automatically move on. I think I look pretty good, but am far from being "fit/athletic". So - for you guys out there - what's the deal with that term? Is it truly a requirement? I mean, really, wouldn't love to be with someone who looked like George Clooney every day? But is it necessary? Certainly not.

Thoughts??

La_Amazona

I've noticed that.. men will insist they're outdoor lovers, that they work out, that they go to the gym everyday, etc etc.. i think this is them saying they want you to know they're active (maybe insecurity)..

Carl01

I love the outdoors too,for me it means playing golf,walking through my fields or just hanging out listening to the sounds of a summer evening.

As far as the fit/athletic thing I have no idea,would have to get inside every individual mind but am guessing it is as close to "healthy" as they have to choose from.
I doubt it is a real deal breaker for most,just a general thing to pick from.
You are correct as well,you do look good and are attractive so if you are the sort to make contact with a guy then do it with one you find interesting.

I would bet that you could take 20 single men and women and have them write out a list of what they want in a lady/guy and then if they do take up with someone that person wouldn`t meet half of the stated things.
Just what happens when two people click,all the preconceived stuff goes out the window.

PeekABooGirl

I love the outdoors too,for me it means playing golf,walking through my fields or just hanging out listening to the sounds of a summer evening.

As far as the fit/athletic thing I have no idea,would have to get inside every individual mind but am guessing it is as close to "healthy" as they have to choose from.
I doubt it is a real deal breaker for most,just a general thing to pick from.
You are correct as well,you do look good and are attractive so if you are the sort to make contact with a guy then do it with one you find interesting.

I would bet that you could take 20 single men and women and have them write out a list of what they want in a lady/guy and then if they do take up with someone that person wouldn`t meet half of the stated things.
Just what happens when two people click,all the preconceived stuff goes out the window.

You're to kind. Thanks for the compliment.
You're probably right - it's easy to write a list I suppose but the reality is that there's never going to be any one person who meets all of those criteria.
You're idea of outdoors I could live with. But hiking and camping - uh no.

Carl01

You're to kind. Thanks for the compliment.
You're probably right - it's easy to write a list I suppose but the reality is that there's never going to be any one person who meets all of those criteria.
You're idea of outdoors I could live with. But hiking and camping - uh no.

Hiking I would not mind but camping is not my thing,each to their own I guess.
I can spend hours in the garden yet some would hate that...I once did too.

I think it does boil down to a general overview that it means a person is trying to take care of themselves,not a snarky remark so don`t take it that way but us guys just don`t think on stuff like that all that much.
Ask us what our dream of a house is and you will get an answer in one or two sentences.
I doubt very many ladies would describe the lighting and colors in a kitchen in that few words. :laugh:

greenmanspirit

This made me go back and look at my own profile. I do like the hiking, camping, gardening, parks, etc etc and I completely fail to mention it. Not entirely sure if that means anything but I don't feel like saying I am an "outdoors guy" is going to really get me anywhere. Closest I say is a particular activity which I think is much more relevant. My only guess there is that guys who put that they are "outdoors guys" either genuinely like all outdoor activities or are just being overly general to try and keep their options open with girls who may like going to a park but won't do a backpacking trip.

As for the athletic/fit thing, I have to go with Carl on that one.

jaxdiablo

Well, personally, I am outdoorsy I go hiking/trail jogging every weekend. I also like to go camping, canoeing, kayaking, and other "outdoorsy stuff" regularly. I put that I do those things because I REALLY enjoy doing them. I spent most of my formative summers in Wisconsin at summer camp. It really is a big part of me. As for it being an "insecurity" thing, unfortunately I'm still overweight, I take bad pictures, my head looks like a giant bowling ball in them. So I want a woman to know I really don't sit on my rump all day every day eating chips and playing video games (ok, maybe video games some days, but not eating chips as well). So I put that out there to show them that I'm active and do stuff like that.

As for the fit/athletic type thing, I don't need/want a fitness model (not that I'd kick her out of bed for eating crackers), but I want a girl who is not sedentary. Unfortunately, I seem to be the type for a certain type of woman, I can't be with that type of woman, nor am I attracted to that type of woman. I had back surgery which was brought on by a car accident and was worsened by being very overweight. I need a woman who will want to go out and do things instead of sitting on the couch all weekend watching tv or whatever. Even though I say that in my profile, most women don't read that or ignore that part, or think it's negotiable.

I'm that I may start telling women our first date will be a trail run or a hike, and if they can keep up we can go on a second date. lol

La_Amazona

As for the fit/athletic type thing, I don't need/want a fitness model (not that I'd kick her out of bed for eating crackers), but I want a girl who is not sedentary. Unfortunately, I seem to be the type for a certain type of woman, I can't be with that type of woman, nor am I attracted to that type of woman. I had back surgery which was brought on by a car accident and was worsened by being very overweight. I need a woman who will want to go out and do things instead of sitting on the couch all weekend watching tv or whatever. Even though I say that in my profile, most women don't read that or ignore that part, or think it's negotiable.

I'm that I may start telling women our first date will be a trail run or a hike, and if they can keep up we can go on a second date. lol

I sweat my *kitten* off when I work out.. that wouldn't be pretty for 1st date haha.

jaxdiablo

As for the fit/athletic type thing, I don't need/want a fitness model (not that I'd kick her out of bed for eating crackers), but I want a girl who is not sedentary. Unfortunately, I seem to be the type for a certain type of woman, I can't be with that type of woman, nor am I attracted to that type of woman. I had back surgery which was brought on by a car accident and was worsened by being very overweight. I need a woman who will want to go out and do things instead of sitting on the couch all weekend watching tv or whatever. Even though I say that in my profile, most women don't read that or ignore that part, or think it's negotiable.

I'm that I may start telling women our first date will be a trail run or a hike, and if they can keep up we can go on a second date. lol

That's fine, I just want to make sure they understand what's important to me. Like if they were big into volunteering or doing something that they were really passionate about I'd want them to share it with me and I'd want to be sure I was cool with it for them before we moved forward.

I sweat my *kitten* off when I work out.. that wouldn't be pretty for 1st date haha.

JThomas61

I love the outdoors, I hike, camp, fish, hunt, boating, water skiing, riding bikes, running swimming, one of those activities are a part of my daily activities. I am not one to sit at home and watch TV or play video games or sit around the house and drink beer watching sports on TV.

Athletic/fit women is definately what I am looking for and for this reason: I have been around lots of women from being in the military and working with civilians and can tell you from my experience, it doesn't matter if a woman is thin of over-weight, if she is not active and fit I won't waste my time on her. From what I have seen/experience those who are fit will not give the same effort as those who are fit and active, the also tend to want to sit on the couch after dinner and watch TV (i.e. lifetime, AMC, or reality TV) and perhaps will fall asleep while watching said TV. Athletic/fit women workout, are fun to be around, don't spend a lot of time on reality TV BS!

It sucks but in the world we live in today appearance means a lot and you are judged by how you look. If women have little to no desire to change that or try and fail (goes for men as well) then they can't expect others to want to jump in and care.

ejoy319

Unfortunately I think that our society is getting more and more shallow. I am fit/athletic... I surf, swim, jog, paddleboard, kayak, play volleyball, softball, frisbee ( I like the beach) daily. I would rather walk to places than drive, I don't sit around and make dents on the sofa cushions, but I'm not thin so the assumption is that I'm not active. I have very thin friends that sit on their butts all day and do nothing... they in my eyes aren't fit.. but in the social arena that's how they are perceived.

swimmchick87

I'm not very outdoorsy either, and unfortunately I live in Colorado (moved for a job). I grew up in the midwest and went to college there as well. I can't say I ever knew anyone that was truly "outdoorsy." Here, I can't say I know anyone who truly ISN'T "outdoorsy." It's all people are interested in. I hate it! I understand having a hobby, but it's literally what people live and breathe for here and they don't care about anything else- especially with skiing/snowboarding. I don't mind hiking, but for me it's really more about the workout than the looking at nature. I love the beach but I'm obviously really far from it. Camping is not appealing to me at all and nor is fishing. I don't understand the life-consuming obsession with skiing. OP, too bad you're a woman- it sounds like we pretty much feel the same about the outdoors! After living here and just being so irritated with it all, that would be an automatic turn-off for me!

I realize the irony here is that my picture is from a hike, haha. I'm not comfortable posting a picture of myself on a site like this and it was the only thing I could think of that was interesting but not of a person, haha.

DMZ_1

Guys will say that they want "athletic" women because their self esteem is tied to the looks of the partners. A guy feels better about himself when he's with a really attractive woman. Attractive women usually have fit/athletic/thin body types.

There are a lot of guys that say they want athletic type that will date women that don't necessarily have that though.

mznisaelaine

I love the outdoors. Especially the beach, but if a guy likes hiking, biking, etc I'm up for it. So if the guy is an outdoors person period in some kind of way, rather if it's going to the park, playing sports for fun, hiking, running outside, etc it's a super plus for me. Or even if he isn't completely an outdoors person but doesn't mind it and wants to try things outdoors then that's a plus as well

Katefab26

What guys are trying to say is that they want a hot girl. If they say fit/athletic, they mean they want a girl with a nice body.

I hang out with guys all the time. They check out girls and talk about girl's bodies all the time. I used to get mad about it, but then I realized that's just how they're wired. They can talk and talk and talk about what they want, but when it comes down to it, they're pretty happy with the girls they date, even if those girls aren't beautiful, hot, athletic, whatever.

EDIT: I have no idea about the outdoors thing. I've gone out with literally one guy who said he enjoyed the outdoors on his profile and actually meant it. I'm genuinely into hiking, camping, kayaking, etc., so if a guy says he loves the outdoors I will be talking about it with him :laugh:

solman66

Outdoors is such a broad term.
Maybe they enjoy having a beer outdoors. After all, a great movie once said:
I think a man working outdoors feels more like a man if he can have a bottle of suds.

I don't put outdoors in my profile because I'd be afraid of attracting someone who's extremely into it. I enjoy camping,hiking,hunting,etc in moderation, a few times a year, not every weekend.

As far as fit/athletic, tough to say. Maybe the guys you're seeing are hardcore outdoorsy types and want to make sure the lady can keep up with them.

BondBomb

What guys are trying to say is that they want a hot girl. If they say fit/athletic, they mean they want a girl with a nice body.

I hang out with guys all the time. They check out girls and talk about girl's bodies all the time. I used to get mad about it, but then I realized that's just how they're wired. They can talk and talk and talk about what they want, but when it comes down to it, they're pretty happy with the girls they date, even if those girls aren't beautiful, hot, athletic, whatever.

EDIT: I have no idea about the outdoors thing. I've gone out with literally one guy who said he enjoyed the outdoors on his profile and actually meant it. I'm genuinely into hiking, camping, kayaking, etc., so if a guy says he loves the outdoors I will be talking about it with him :laugh:

Yes. When they say fit they mean nice body. They don't care if you get winded walking up a flight of stairs.
When I was doing the online dating I had guys that would mention how fit I was constantly. I was just skinny because I lived on vodka and hadn't had a baby yet. I'm not quite as skinny as I was then but I can do pushups with my kid sitting on my back.
I'm looking for an indoorsy guy lol. I'm a home body and want to meet a guy that is too. I like laying on the couch and playing video games after I just busted my behind at the gym!

AnnaPixie

I reckon 'outdoors' means active, not a couch potato. And I reckon fit/athletic means slim!

That's how I read it anyhow. Could be wrong. :bigsmile:

JanieJack

What guys are trying to say is that they want a hot girl.

Exactly. It's not really about being fit. It's about being small. And hot.

JThomas61

I reckon 'outdoors' means active, not a couch potato. And I reckon fit/athletic means slim!

That's how I read it anyhow. Could be wrong. :bigsmile:

Finally someone who gets it!

La_Amazona

What guys are trying to say is that they want a hot girl.

Exactly. It's not really about being fit. It's about being small. And hot.

blah

gaberieger

I work indoors all day (#yawn), so when I leave the office - I want to be outdoors/outside (#active). I don't care what it is. Just standing outside talking to neighbors at least. Having a drink on the deck watching the sunset... anything. Of course being in Houston, the default "fountain of youth" in America (humidity) - it's not always pleasant, but still better then hanging out indoors.

Body type I am not picky about because I know that can be changed. I am more concerned with intelligence and personality to be honest. Anyone can change their exterior with motivation or $$$ --- the interior... is not quite as easy.

Trail_Addict

I don't see the problem with choosing a certain body type that a person finds attractive. Why is that shallow? Slim or athletic is attractive to many people. Besides, the definition of "slim/ athletic" isn't easy to define for everyone. I noticed when I added "average" for my preferences on my profile, I got lots of 'big' girls. That's not how I defined "average", so I changed it to "slim/ athletic" knowing that girls I consider "average" will inquire.

Just because a woman may not care as much about a guy's build, doesn't mean they aren't shallow in other areas when choosing their mate- income, character, family goals, sense of humor, etc. It's just one of many factors that meet an individuals criteria.

I also put "outdoorsy" in my description. I may revamp that. Any ladies want to help me re-write my profile so it's more appealing?

AllanMisner

I didn't put anything about the outdoors. Even though I love the beach, will go on hikes, or kayaking, it isn't something I'd do all the time.

As far as putting what they find attractive, they're entitled to try that. One time, I responded to a woman who had listed a myriad of qualities she wanted. I met every one of them but one (full head of hair). I said as much in my message to her. She shot back with "Why on earth would anyone shave their head when only a small percentage of women even find that even remotely attractive?" That sure saved me a lot of time getting to know her.

Why worry with the 99%, you're not even interested in the remaining 1%, just the one that is right for you.

JanieJack

"Why on earth would anyone shave their head when only a small percentage of women even find that even remotely attractive?"

Wow. People are so petty! Some of the hottest guys I know shave their heads. Many of my friends consider that hot. But then again, I'm from a slightly different demographic ;-)