Would you date someone with a bad history/emotional background?

That is true if a person is going to be honest and open enough to someone about their problem the least the other can do is sympathize. Many times they aren't looking for all the answers to their problem, and probably knows the person they are venting to doesn't have the answers either. Just about lending a ear when needed. This was a tough lesson for me to learn often because I would try to suggest or offer my opinion on what to try, when the venting person just wanted me to keep my mouth shut and give them a shoulder :P. I guess the idea of offering help can sometimes make it feel like you are trivializing their issue when it's much deeper than one can image.

I wouldn't gel with folks who are squeaky clean. I'm not, for one. Just don't be irreparable and destructive

I'd be more inclined to date someone with a torn background. Otherwise, we probably wouldn't be compatible.

I would date both but be more inclined to date someone with an emotional background than a bad history. I know there are good people who did some messed up things in the past and want to change but it will definitely take longer for them to gain my trust. I've had some experiences with emotional problems and I know a lot of things aren't easy to deal with. Having someone to relate with would make it easier to connect.

I've met a lot of people with problems in their past. They often have a lot more to talk about, but it's hard talking to them sometimes.

Ofc I would but that depends. Their past doesn't define the actual person themselves and it wouldn't matter to me at all. I mean we all had some skeletons in the closet. The only thing that would matter is that I like and respect them and they like and respect me too. But that doesn't mean they can use it as an excuse for doing bad stuff. As long as they can manage themselves and stable enough, it can work out.