Plus-size dating has become better catered for through niche dating sites - and when you consider the experiences of BBW singles; it's easy to see why! Mainstream dating isn't particularly diverse, and some sites are downright uninviting to those who break the mould.
Here we investigate why BBW dating sites are a far better place to find plus-size love, and how to elevate your date life to the next level.
The big challenge for bigger guys or girls is that society doesn't always cater to your curves.
This doesn't just apply to dating, either - we see more and more clothing boutiques branch out into genuinely flattering and stylish clothes, and more consideration given to the fact that we all come in a glorious rainbow of sizes!
When we talk to daters about why they prefer BBW date sites, the most common reasons are:
What this means is that a lot of singles on regular dating sites might chat up a BBW because they want a hook-up, but aren't always looking for a long-term relationship.
It doesn't matter what you look like - everybody wants to find love and romance!
And thus, BBW dating sites have introduced a service that caters appropriately to this market, without making it a fetish site for guys who just want to sleep with a big lady.
The frustration is that plenty of people are plus size, and want to find a partner who appreciates them for exactly who they are. Putting a label on a broad and diverse group of people isn't ever going to work - but creates invisible boundaries and obstacles.
You're always going to get those people who fantasise about plus-size sex (a friend calls them 'chubby chasers' which always make me smile!) - but if you're looking for a date, some romance and potentially a relationship, that isn't going to fit.
When it comes to love, your size isn't top of the list of compatibility criteria. You might be looking for:
Not one of these things has much to do with whether you are plus size or not - and yet, with a mainstream dating site, it seems to be the most important thing!
Your weight and your clothing size are but a tiny fraction of who you are, and BBW date sites realise that by making your size a given, rather than a talking point.
It's this fetishism that crops up over and again, and if you're big you're probably very happy with the person you are - and aren't here to titillate or entertain anybody else!
Creating an over-sexualised perception of plus-size women isn't fun, it isn't fair, and it isn't ok.
There is little so soul-crushingly disappointing as to go on a date with someone who seems fantastic, and exactly what you're looking for in a partner, only to find they're really there out of curiosity and have no intention of building a relationship with you.
Here's where BBW date sites provide a solution. Everybody on the website is plus-sized, or would like to date somebody that is - your weight isn't a factor. That frees you up to talk about the stuff that matters, and concentrate on flirting and finding dates on your own terms.
It's interesting how we always talk about BBW (big beautiful women), and we don't hear so much about BBM (big beautiful men).
I think this is a form of gender disparity - and probably just because for single men, their weight is usually much less of a factor in mainstream dating than it is for women!
Everybody has their type and their preferences, and you'll find that plus-size dating sites cater equally to all genders and sexualities - it's all about choosing the right dating site for the kind of relationship you're looking for.
Click here to Compare BBW Sites in Australia
So we have established that BBW sites are a far superior option to mainstream dating if you're a plus-size single; but which site to choose?
You'll find thousands of plussize dating sites, but all are not created equal, so here are a few things to consider:
The same variety exists in BBW sites as any other, so choose wisely. If you're after a fun fling, a hook-up site is perfect! If you're looking for a long-term relationship, you need to pick a BBW site that caters for genuine partnerships.
Keep an eye out for websites with explicit or semi-nude photos on the sign-up page - these are usually aimed at casual dates, and less suited to people wanting to find companionship and romance.
Many sites offer different subscription options (some are free for women and paid for men!) so check out the costs before you register so you are comfortable with what services are free, and the price for the premium features.
More significant sites often have more people - and therefore a higher volume of matches - but localised or niche sites are usually more specific, so although you might receive fewer matches they're far more likely to be relevant.
As a member of a BBW online dating community, it's well worth checking out the chat rooms or forums. They're a great place to connect with new people, make it easy to find new friends, and are brilliant for sharing your experiences and feeling included in the network of plus-size singles - many of whom have a story or two to tell!
