For some context, I've been dating and meeting different women throughout the year. With a lot of them things got physical, but over time the conversations faded and we eventually went our separate ways.

A few weeks or months later, I find out they're in a relationship.

Like most people, I get curious and check out who they're dating. What surprises me is that a lot of the time the guy doesn't match the traits she used to say she was attracted to. Sometimes it's someone I would've never expected based on the things she told me while we were seeing each other.

The strange part is my reaction. It's not really jealousy, because by that point we're no longer involved. It's more that I suddenly see her differently. Almost like the image I had of her changes overnight.

I know attraction and relationships are way more complicated than looks, status, money, confidence, or any single trait. People connect for all kinds of reasons.

Still, I can't help feeling surprised when someone ends up with a partner who seems very different from what they previously described as their "type."

Has anyone else experienced this? Why do you think it happens?