If His Steak Preferences Are a Dealbreaker, You’re Not Ready to Date — You’re Just Hungry and Picky

Ladies. Let’s talk. If your dealbreaker on a dating profile is “he likes his steak well-done and that means we’re incompatible,” I’m going to need you to take a deep breath, maybe chew a carrot stick, and sit down. Because girl, unless that steak is literally chewing you back, I don’t think it’s a valid reason to swipe left.

Don’t get me wrong—food matters. It bonds people. It’s sensual, it’s cultural, it’s how we show love. But if you’re scanning a man’s profile like “he eats scrambled eggs with ketchup, he’s dead to me,” you might not be looking for love… you might just be hangry with commitment issues.

And this isn’t just about steak. This is a whole genre of culinary snobbery masquerading as compatibility standards. I once saw a woman write: “If he doesn’t eat sushi, we could never vibe.” Ma’am. This isn’t Top Chef: Soulmate Edition. That man might not like raw fish but he could be emotionally available, have a job, and know how to fold a fitted sheet—priorities!

Let’s run through a few more absurdly funny red flags that are real-life dating “food sins” women swear are grounds for eternal singleness:

• “If he drinks milk with dinner, I’m out.” Okay, yes, it’s weird. Milk and spaghetti is not a sexy combo. But maybe he has strong bones and weak taste buds. Does that mean he can’t love you right? Probably not. Maybe.
• “If he only uses plastic straws instead of paper, we have different values.” Babe. Paper straws disintegrate in 0.4 seconds and feel like you’re sipping through papier-mâché. Are you mad about climate change or mad that your iced coffee tastes like regret? Let’s clarify.
• “If he doesn’t like avocado, he has no palate.” Girl. It’s a mushy green fruit that browns faster than your last situationship. Let’s not stake our future on guacamole.
• “If he likes pineapple on pizza, he can’t be trusted.” Ma’am. That’s not a red flag, that’s a topping. And it’s delicious. You’re not vetting a KGB agent—you’re trying to date Brad from HR who owns a dog and flosses.
• “If he doesn’t season his food, I could never respect him.” Now this one is fair. Unseasoned chicken is a hate crime. But maybe take it as an opportunity. You bring the flavor, he brings the bland, and together you find balance—like yin and yawn.
• “If he eats cereal with water instead of milk.” Okay. Valid. That man is unwell. That’s not a date, that’s a cry for help.

Here’s the bottom line: dating isn’t about finding your clone in food form. If you want a man who matches your exact culinary preferences, marry your own fridge. Relationships are about learning and compromise. So what if he dips fries in mayo? He might also listen when you talk and make you laugh until your ribs hurt. Isn’t that worth a few condiment crimes?

Besides, half of you who claim these food dealbreakers are out here microwaving salmon in the work lunchroom. Don’t throw stones in your glass Tupperware.

So ladies, before you write off another potential match because he likes his steak cooked like charcoal or puts raisins in his potato salad (okay, that one’s questionable), ask yourself: is it really about the food… or are you just using steak preferences to avoid vulnerability?

Because here’s the truth: if love was based on how people eat their food, half of us would be single forever and the rest would be dating professional chefs. So grab your fork, loosen your expectations, and maybe—just maybe—give the well-done guy a shot. Worst case? You argue over dinner. Best case? You find someone who’s rare, medium-at-heart, and well-done where it counts.

Bon appétit, lovers.