ROYAL PAIN? How to avoid dating an entitled ‘princess’ type

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The odds of dating a real-life princess are slim to none but there are “princess” types you may want to run from.

While the term may sound cutesy and endearing, it’s anything but as the “princess” dating behaviour could signal entitlement, whether it’s right away or down the road.

If those royal expectations are established early on, then hey, you know what you’ve gotten yourself into.

But if you are unsure of what may come your way, there are warning signs that daters should be looking out for before getting in too deep, Anita Fletcher, a sex and relationship expert at adult toy brand Fantasy Co., told the Toronto Sun.

“The princess type isn’t necessarily a bad person, but they’ve often not learned the give-and-take that makes relationships work long-term,” Fletcher said.

“The good news is there are ways to spot this pattern early, and even better ways to handle it if you choose to stay.”

First off, the princess archetype goes beyond someone who enjoys being treated well, according to Fletcher.

Rather, it’s a pattern where one person consistently expects royal treatment without offering much in return.

“Think of it as emotional one-way traffic,” Fletcher explained.

“A princess type might expect you to always plan dates, pay for everything, and cater to their moods, but they rarely ask what you need or want.”

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It often stems from being overly catered to in past relationships or family dynamics, resulting in the individual knowing nothing different and simply thinks this is normal behaviour.

Fletcher noted that red flags include those who never initiate plans, everything revolving around their schedule, they rarely — if ever — offer to pay, and they get upset when things don’t go their way.

It sounds immature and inconsiderate but that’s what happens when someone is never told no and who genuinely believes their happiness and comfort is everyone else’s responsibility and priority.

“The biggest sign is how they react when you’re having a tough day,” Fletcher noted.

“A balanced partner shows concern and offers support, but a princess type often gets frustrated that your problems are taking attention away from them.”

Fletcher suggested going on a date that requires equal effort from both people, then watch for how they react.

“I tell people to propose something like a picnic where you both bring food, or a hiking date where they need to wear appropriate shoes and be ready for some physical activity,” Fletcher detailed.

“The key is choosing something that can’t be done for them; they have to participate actively.”

The results will be eye-opening, as a balanced partner will either enthusiastically agree or suggest modifications that work for both of you.

A princess type, however, will often find excuses, suggest alternatives that put the work back on you, or agree but then show up unprepared and expect you to handle everything.

Ultimately, the one mistake, according to Fletcher, that should be recognized as quickly as possible is someone who may be losing him or herself in the process of prioritizing another person’s happiness.

“If you find yourself constantly walking on eggshells or ignoring your own needs, that’s a sign the dynamic isn’t healthy.”

She likened the early stages of dating to “a preview of coming attractions.”

Fletcher added: “So pay attention to what someone shows you when the stakes are still low. If someone can’t handle bringing snacks to a picnic, how will they handle real challenges?”