Regardless of one’s identity, dating can be a challenging journey, especially for plus-size women who frequently encounter persistent myths. From ridiculous stereotypes about confidence to the idea that body size dictates romantic options, these misconceptions are not only outdated but downright wrong.
It’s time to dispel these myths and establish the truth. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get into it.
Myth 1: Plus-Size Women Are Desperate for Any Attention
The idea that plus-size women will take anything for love is one of the most insulting myths. As if having a larger body means having zero standards? Please.
The Truth: Plus-size women, just like anyone else, have preferences, deal-breakers, and expectations in dating. Many are independent, self-assured, and perfectly content on their own—which means they’re certainly not about to settle for anything less than what they deserve. A kind, intelligent, emotionally mature partner is the goal, not just “any” partner.
Myth 2: Plus-Size Women Lack Confidence in Dating
There’s this weird assumption that all plus-size women must be insecure about their bodies, leading them to be timid or unsure in relationships. Society often links confidence to thinness, which is laughable at best.
The Truth: Confidence doesn’t come from a dress size; it comes from self-acceptance and knowing your worth. Many plus-size women walk into a room with their heads high, radiating charm and charisma. Just because someone doesn’t fit into the mold of a Victoria’s Secret model doesn’t mean they’re drowning in self-doubt. In fact, learning to love yourself in a world that constantly tells you not to is the ultimate confidence flex.
Myth 3: Plus-Size Women Are Unhealthy
This is a big one. People love to assume that if someone is plus-size, they must automatically be unhealthy. While certain health conditions can link to body size, it is not the sole determinant of health.
The Truth: Health is a complex and individual thing. You can be thin and unhealthy or plus-size and in excellent shape. Plenty of plus-size women engage in fitness routines, eat balanced diets, and prioritize their well-being. And even if they don’t? That’s nobody’s business but their own.
It is both ignorant and harmful to assume that someone’s size tells you everything about their health.
Myth 4: Plus-Size Women Should Only Date Plus-Size Partners
For some reason, people believe that plus-size women should only date men (or women) of the same size. It’s as if society decided that body types must be perfectly symmetrical in relationships.
The Truth: Attraction is subjective. Love and chemistry aren’t dictated by BMI. Plenty of plus-size women date partners of all shapes and sizes. Some prefer larger partners, some prefer slimmer ones, and some couldn’t care less about body size. The idea that plus-size women should “stick to their lane” when dating is outdated nonsense.
Myth 5: If Someone Likes a Plus-Size Woman, It Must Be a Fetish
Ah, the dreaded “fetish” label. Every time a plus-size woman is in a happy relationship, there is always a genius who is prepared to make the statement, “Oh, he must have a thing for big girls.” As if attraction to plus-size women is some strange deviation rather than just… normal human preference.
The Truth: People are attracted to all kinds of body types, and that attraction doesn’t need to be pathologized. Sure, some people do have size-related fetishes (as they do for literally everything else), but liking plus-size women isn’t inherently a fetish. It’s just attraction. Plus, calling it a fetish reduces plus-size women to objects rather than full, complex individuals worthy of love and respect.
Myth 6: Plus-Size Women Are Less Desirable
This is the most ridiculous myth of them all. Society often pushes a certain beauty standard, but reality doesn’t always align with those ideals. The notion that plus-size women aren’t as desirable as their slimmer counterparts is pure fiction.
The Truth: Desirability isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many people love plus-size bodies, and they always have—despite what mainstream media may try to sell. Beauty is diverse, and attraction is highly personal. Plus-size women are in loving, fulfilling relationships every day, proving this myth to be absolute garbage.
Myth 7: Plus-Size Women Should Be Grateful for Any Romantic Attention
Ever heard the phrase, “You should be thankful he likes you”? It’s the kind of toxic nonsense that reinforces the idea that plus-size women should accept whatever scraps of affection come their way.
The Truth: No one should have to settle for less than they deserve. Plus-size women don’t need to be “grateful” for attention any more than anyone else does. Relationships should be about mutual attraction, respect, and shared values—not about one person feeling lucky to be noticed.
The dating world is already complicated enough without these ridiculous stereotypes clouding the experience. Plus-size women, like everyone else, deserve love, respect, and fulfilling relationships free of judgment and expectation.
So, next time you hear one of these myths floating around, do the world a favor and shut it down. What is the reality? Despite the myths, plus-size women are enjoying their most fulfilling romantic lives.