Introducing Frankensteining, the Dating Trend Experts Say Can Ruin a Relationship |
Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.
Turn off all ads on VICE.com
Exclusive New VICE Documentaries
Member Exclusive Features & Columns
Turn off all ads on VICE.com
Exclusive New VICE Documentaries
Member Exclusive Features & Columns
Turn off all ads on VICE.com
Exclusive New VICE Documentaries
Member Exclusive Features & Columns
4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door
Introducing Frankensteining, the Dating Trend Experts Say Can Ruin a Relationship
Experts say trying to mold someone into your ideal partner can turn care into control, damaging the relationship in the process.
Share on X (Opens in new window)X
Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook
Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard
If you’re familiar with the story of Frankenstein, you likely know how the monster was created. Dr. Frankenstein, a fictional mad scientist and protagonist of the classic novel, assembles the patchwork monster we know as Frankenstein. I won’t talk about what, exactly, the scientist uses to create Frankenstein, but let’s just say he’s made up of many…parts.
Today, many dating experts have noticed a similar (yet less graphic) manifestation of Dr. Frankenstein’s behavior occurring in romantic relationships. Known as “frankensteining,” the dating pattern involves morphing your significant other into the ideal partner, based solely on your preferences.
“Frankensteining is something that has always been an issue in dating,” says Sara Sloan, LMFT, CST, IRT. “Frankensteining involves trying to mold or change your partner’s appearance,........