Hopelessly Devoted: Are Creatives Really the Most Difficult to Love?
Dating a creative type may seem a daunting prospect. From the tumultuous relationships of high-profile creatives like Van Gogh and Picasso to kitschy Hollywood romcoms, creatives in love are usually seen as unlucky at best, and detached and difficult at worst. Tarnished with the brush of the ‘daydreamer’ and ‘loner’ stereotypes all too often, creative thinkers are sometimes unfairly misjudged, particularly when it comes to the world of dating.
With no singular way to define the complex creative mind and no one set of rules to qualify as a ‘creative’, it seems strange that so many people would be tarred with the same brush. Commonly, the art of ‘creativity’ is associated with curiosity, outside the box thinking and risk-taking, whilst sensitivity and intimacy are seen as key characteristics of creative thinkers. So why are romantic portrayals of creative types often so negative?
This Valentine’s Day, don’t be discouraged from exploring romance with a creative type. To determine just how easy it is to date the enigmatic creative thinker, print and design experts Solopress have analysed their unique personality traits and tendencies, investigating the many nuances of this intriguing personality type. You might be surprised by what you find…
The ‘Ideal’ Partner Right Now
When it comes to finding the ideal partner in 2022, surprisingly, a great deal of the most desirable traits mentioned match the personality of the creative thinker. A recent study revealed that integrity and sensitivity were hugely important amongst women aged 18-75, whilst another found that women aged 25-50 highly valued positivity and emotional intelligence, traits commonly associated with creative types.
Passion – another sought-after trait common in creative minds – also ranked highly, suggesting that creative individuals may just fit with the ideals women are looking for in a partner in the post-pandemic landscape. Similarly, men prioritise emotional maturity and confidence among other qualities, which are traits continually highlighted in studies of the creative mind.
What Makes Creative Types the Perfect Match?
From their capacity to see the world through a uniquely colourful lens to their sensitivity, playfulness and innate passion, there is a body of evidence to suggest that it’s worth at least exploring your creative connection this Valentine’s Day. You could be missing out on an incredible romantic partner – but which aspects of the creative’s personality make them the perfect person to settle down with?
- Emotional Intelligence
According to HelpGuide, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the secret to lasting intimate relationships, as it helps us exercise empathy and identify areas for improvement within ourselves. Creative individuals are known to be extremely emotionally mature. Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire also identify creative people as being intuitive, indicating that in the instance of romantic relationships, creatives’ empathetic tendencies will allow for a greater depth of understanding and growth.
- Open-Mindedness
It goes without saying that creative minds are anything but ordinary. According to research from the University of Bath, creatives love to seek out new experiences, sensations and perspectives, which can breed greater creativity and spark new, original ideas. If we apply this to the dating world, it is apparent that creatives could bring a world of excitement to new relationships by following their spontaneity and passion for new experiences. If you’re tired of the same old dinner dates and want to step outside of the box this Valentine’s Day, you know what to do!
- Ability to Learn and Problem Solve
Evidence also suggests a meaningful connection between creativity and problem-solving, which could be invaluable given the highs and lows of long-term relationships. According to author Steven Kotler, when the brain encounters dangerous and uncertain conditions, our intuitive creative systems kick into gear, searching through every possible memory database to locate a solution. Therefore, risks cause our brains to flex their creative muscles, training the brain to think in unusual ways and to be more innovative and resourceful.
- Playfulness
A key ingredient to any successful relationship according to PsychologyToday is humour. A “GSOH” is often a prominent aspect of the creative personality, suggesting they’d make entertaining companions who are willing to let their hair down. Creatives don’t take life too seriously and this lack of uniformity and linear thinking is often how they discover new possibilities in their professional lives. Exploring your romantic connection with a creative soul could lead to a life filled with laughter, love and fun…
- Passion and Allure
Studies conducted by Northwestern University and the University of London identified an intrinsic link between creativity and romantic passion or eros, indicating that there will be no trouble preserving the romantic ‘spark’ when embarking on a relationship with a creative thinker. With their unwavering passion for all aspects of their life, creative souls have the potential to bring a great deal of adventure and intensity to relationships, ensuring that partners feel noticed and deeply appreciated.
Are Creatives Most Difficult to Love?
Despite the negative press around creatives as romantic partners, the answer is not necessarily! There’s nothing wrong with creatives’ devotion to their craft, whether it’s art, film, design, or something else – that enthusiasm and commitment they display can extend to their relationships, too! In any case, creatives can make dedicated, compelling partners willing to learn and grow with their spouse, and you can expect a vibrant, intense relationship with plenty of memorable moments. Now, where do we sign up?