When we’re growing up as girls, our lives are filled with movies, books, and stories that paint the picture of the perfect man. In these tales, the leading man seems almost flawless. Even if he has a few shortcomings, his most attractive qualities overshadow everything else. This constant portrayal creates a fantasy that somewhere out there, we’ll meet a man who has it all—a real-life perfect man.

However, when we start dating and falling in love, we quickly learn that real life isn’t like the movies. You might wonder why your partner, who initially appeared amazing, doesn’t quite live up to that fantasy. It often isn’t that he lacks the qualities you want; instead, it’s that you slowly raise your expectations. When someone ticks all the boxes, a few more requirements seem to emerge—and suddenly, the perfect man seems as elusive as ever.