+1 yNo, it happens a lot because of divorce and here in NYC many people haven’t been married up to that point. Most have had relationships at some point though. The women in their 40s that I know all have great lives. They have great careers, money to enjoy life, if they had kids young then they’re out of the house or off doing their own thing so these women can focus more on themselves, they look good, still have dating options, etc.
the interesting thing I’ve noticed with some older women is that they don’t lack options, they often lose interest in dating for period of time because of all the heartache of past relationships. One of my coworkers is in her 40s and still being harassed by her abusive ex husband. She has two children - one off to college and the other on his way. She’s dipping her toe in dating again but she truly does not want to jump into a relationship too fast because she just got out of one hell of a rollercoaster ride. I’ve met a lot of women like this (doesn’t have to be abuse, could just be an unhappy relationship or marriage). Being single is a breath of fresh air for them and they’re happy to be on their own for once. So it’s not brutal for them - they’re relieved.
I asked a friend of mine in her 50s if she would find someone after him. She’s petite, energetic, and I think she’s cute. She’s truly over it. She said platonic love will be enough for her after she eventually divorces her husband. That’s if she goes through with it. Some older women aren’t the happiest with their marriages at all but would rather not deal with the transition to divorced life. That’s why my mom told me she stayed married to my dad.
My experience with older women in my own local region is why I think the “wall” is an illusion that certain types of men jerk off to online in my opinion. I’m sure it’s true in some countries/regions. I’ve heard about women in certain parts of Asian being viewed as old in their 30s and without marriage prospects. At least in western countries, and specifically in major cities, my observations have been different and my experience in my 30s. Older women still seem to have more access to sex and relationships than older men do, in my opinion. I honestly don’t think that changes until maybe 60s. What does seem to happen that’s not talked about much is that a lot of older women *don’t want relationships* anymore. It reminds me of that study that found widows were happier after their husbands died. Or studies that show that women suffer more in terms of mental health and confidence in relationships. That context kind of helps me understand. I think there’s also insecurity sometimes as well, but tbh I don’t think that’s it for many women I meet. They’re just tired.
I think it’s nice if you can still be in love with the person you met younger and grow old together, but it’s hard. It’s best to love yourself and be okay with being alone. I think that makes us more attractive and healthier partners if we want romantic love at any age, and it’s essential if we don’t want to look for romantic love.
Side note though - couples who marry young with tend to have higher divorce rates, among similarly aged couples. Couples with the lowest divorce rates in the USA (and probably in similar countries) get married in their later 20s and early-mid 30s. The divorce rate starts to go back up after that, but the reasons are different. Age gap relationships have the highest risk - with astronomically high divorce rates in the U. S. Thats also interesting to think about in terms of age and relationships.
Anyway back to the topic - I think being a single man in his 40s can be more brutal on average than being a single woman in her 40s. A few men are having the time of their lives ofc lol However, I think on average it’s harder emotionally, sexually, and in terms of relationships for older men that age and (in true case of divorce) maybe harder on some portion of women, depending on how career-focused they were, what kind of divorce settlements they have, if they have kids, and what their partner made. Most women don’t have access to rich men and may then be the primary caregivers to kids.
It varies for men too though. If he’s been single for a while vs. recently divorced. There are probably a lot more men who didn’t get laid much in their 30s and 40s, whereas that’s still super easy for women. Men desire sex and affection a lot, so that can be hard if he’s feeling unwanted for a very long time and older.
01 Reply- +1 y
I always say that if I’m not married by 40, I may just throw in the towel and go full on cougar. The youngins love me anyway 😂
I’m only half joking 🙃
Most Helpful Opinions
+1 yYes. Even though you don't need to have a lover. But let's face it, being a 40 and hadn't had a lover since you were 13 is brutal. I wouldn't mind having a lover in my 20's or 30's and not have one in my 40's.
I've gotten out of a ldr when I was 16. Right now, I am fine not having a lover, even though I want one. Love awaits me. I don't know how long until I find love, but I think it'll find me. I've told myself not to get into a relationship until I am ready for one. When love finds me, that'll be a sign that I'm ready.
00 Reply
Anonymous(45 Plus)+1 yThese days it's different because of the internet.
I'm in my 40's and there's tons of dating opportunities online for me. There's lots of women my age either divorced and looking for another relationship or something casual, then there's the women my age who never even got married in their 20's and they're desperate to get a ring and a baby ASAP (I'm careful of those ones). Then there's the younger women in their 20's who want to try an older man because they crave a brief relationship with a guy who has a mature attitude. Then there's the foreign women looking for a Western husband in his 30's, 40's, and 50's who will have a house, income, and a good life to share with her.
10 Reply
3.2K opinions shared on Dating topic. No not even I'm in my 40s and I'm single
I'm happy I'm content I don't think that I get lonely I know I I enjoy talking to people flirting but I'm always so busy that I don't think I'm lonely and to be honest I think what I'm ready I can go out and get a girlfriend I don't think that's a problem at least I hope not LOL if you are lonely get on the internet you have the whole world in your hands you can do just about anything on there you can learn anything you have to explore life life is fun I could get into it right here with you but just go back and read some of my answers it will tell you everything LOL00 Reply
What Girls & Guys Said
Opinion
49Opinion
- 3.7K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yNo worse than being single in your 20s and 30s-
Seriously, it's not a big deal. There are people in their 40s miserable and lonely because they're in bad relationships, but too afraid to leave their partner.
I'll just wait for a decent person to be with. And if it's not meant to be, I'll just be single into my 30s, 40s, 50s... and on58 Reply- +1 y
Just shut up 😂
- +1 y
You are supposed to find your future husband during your teenage years, marry by 20 and have children. You'll stay lonely otherwise.
We don't too much time to do what nature wants us to do. We only have the false impression of choice. - +1 y
Why would you pay money yes MONEY helping a 35 yr old woman through geriatric pregnancy when you can just be with a fertile 25 yr old
- +1 y
- +1 y
@RiseofArtemis I don't like or want kids... EVER. Meaning if I find a partner, he'll have to feel the same way.
And if not? Guess I'll be happily alone, NOT LONELY- there is a difference 😊 - +1 y
@TonightYouu I am 23 and I don't want any man who wants kids. If he doesn't want me I DON'T want him either. Being at peace is so much better than being stuck with a big obstacle who only cares about children. I don't want my life to revolve around kids. That's why if he wants kids then I will run away from him because I'll be just used as a 'vessel' to give him what he needs. Better to be in your own company than feel exploited, used and neglected by your so called partner. I'll be MORE lonely with a man who cares more about children than his own wife. I love my solitude.
- 2.3K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yIf you can't be happy single you will never be happy with someone else because other humans don't have the capacity to make other HUMANS happy.
00 Reply 1.7K opinions shared on Dating topic. Hell no. Grass is greener under you.
00 ReplyI’m currently 53, single, live by myself and absolutely love it. I can go out when I want, come home when I want and just do anything I want when I want too. I don’t have to answer to anyone, no drama’s, no pressure. And I’ve no intention of changing my situation.
10 Reply- 596 opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yIt depends entirely on the person. Some people really want someone else around. Being single might be hard for them. Other people don't mind being single and even prefer it.
Personally I like being single and living alone. I also like being with someone and living with them. I don't have a preference one way or the other.
00 Reply
+1 yI'm turning 30 this year, I'm single and emotionally unprepared to date again. I spent my 20s with one girl I wanted to marry at one point but I feared I wouldn't give her or myself the life we wanted. I don't feel like I am good enough to seriously date anyone. I've been promiscuous for about 8 years now.
00 ReplyIt depends on how your own mindset is, stay optimistic, confident and self-disciplined every day. A high quality of life will make you even if you are single is also a high quality of single. There is no lack of suitors around, but they are not my cup of tea.
00 Reply
Anonymous(45 Plus)+1 yI am in my mid 40's, single and alone by choice and at least 98% of the time I absolutely love it. Having said that, I am very healthy, fit, youthful, strong and I train every 2 days with isometrics that can eventually make you strong enough to break chains...
Therefore it's all about the relationship that you have with yourself and the most high.
00 Reply- 312 opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yNope! It would be far worse to be living with a psychobitch from hell. I spent 18 miserable years living with my mother, the queen of the PBFH group, and I love the quiet and solitude of my empty apartment.
00 Reply 2.4K opinions shared on Dating topic. Not at all.
I was single, but could get a date when ever I wanted to.
I had money, I could travel, motorcycle trips whenever I wanted.
It was a great time to be single.
00 Reply
+1 yFor most men, no. It actually has a zen to it.
For women... yeah y'all are screwed, and not in the fun way.00 Reply
+1 yim 41 and i have only been alone twice from conception to now. once for 6 hours when i was 24 and it was the worst thing to ever happen to me and iv fought in a couple of wars. the second time was this past Friday for 3 hours and it wasn't so bad.
00 Reply- 6.4K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yNo; because the older I get, the easier it is. It was rough like about 5 years ago, but I've gone over the crest of the bell curve now and I'm on the other side. Acceptance and serenity is a powerful thing. I care less and less ever year.
00 Reply Depends upon the person's attitude. You can be positive about it, realizing that you can go do whatever you want without someone else delaying, controlling, or otherwise hindering what you want to do.
00 Reply568 opinions shared on Dating topic. Not really, I've been single from my early 30's, its an easier uncluttered life, I can take on short notice overseas contracts without having to factor in anyone else.
00 Reply
+1 yNo. You shouldn't feel that way. At that age your maturity should help you to see your goals under a different light. Finding a spouse should be easier since you have far More to offer than when you were younger. You just need to hit the gym
00 Reply- 1.2K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yI’m in my forties and single. It’s pretty good most of the time.
00 Reply - 1.3K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yIt wouldn't be fun but I wouldn't give up. There are other people in that age group that are single.
00 Reply 10.9K opinions shared on Dating topic. No, why would it be? While there aren't as many social activities for singles at 40 as at 25, there is still plenty to do.
And if you're in decent shape you can still be humpin' 25's.
02 Reply- +1 y
@77five I didn't mean to imply that's what he should do, just that there were still a lot of options. One of my former co-workers who recently retired is married to a guy 20 years younger than her. People don't need to be limited to someone within two years of their age (in the case of my parents, two weeks). There are a good number of 25 year old women who WANT an older guy.
673 opinions shared on Dating topic. It's easier as you get older. I don't feel alone as I have my nephew and nieces and parents. I am near my 40's and just accepted it in my 20's being single and early 30's.
00 Reply
+1 yFor women its a catastrophe for many men its normal.
00 Reply- 782 opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yAs a man? No, not really.
As a woman? To some extent, I think so.00 Reply - 529 opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yNot at all. I would never endure another relationship / marriage. I am intrroverted & prefer my own company anyway , so prefer to stay single.
00 Reply It's more brutal to be a depressed 20 year old with no driver's license or job and no way to meet others
Imagine that00 ReplyWhat kind of question is that, everyone has the same right to be in love whether you 18 or 90
00 Reply- 3.6K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yWait `til you're in your late `50's, single, completely alone and no kids!
00 Reply 8.6K opinions shared on Dating topic. Before i met my wife i would say that I would be okay with it now I am not so sure.
00 Reply
Anonymous(36-45)+1 yThat’s me. I have gotten wiser at avoiding bigger problems. But the rejection still hurts. Hurts a lot.
00 Reply- 5.2K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yDepends on how hot and social you are. For both genders.
00 Reply 2.1K opinions shared on Dating topic. geen i wonder. ehem, am over 40 and single (no longer care to change that either)
00 Reply14.6K opinions shared on Dating topic. Nope. I've actually never been more content.
00 ReplyI'm 52 and single. Dating is brutal at 40 , unless you're exceptionally attractive in some way. That said, I'm content being alone.
00 Reply
+1 yLOL! Welcome to my world. Join the queue at the end of the line way way way back there yonder!
00 Reply- 674 opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yNope.
Knowing what I know now, would consider it a blessing.00 Reply By choice... no. Otherwise it can be. Depending on how u want to define your life.
00 ReplyId be flirting with 20 something cuties, just the same. Daddy Robucks
00 ReplyThat's going to be half of everyone's near future.
00 Reply2.6K opinions shared on Dating topic. For some people yes, for some people no.
01 Reply- +1 y
Wow wow hold on just now, that sounds sexist af
3.3K opinions shared on Dating topic. I'll let you know in 6 years
00 Reply
Anonymous(36-45)+1 yPlease don't remind me. I am already headed there.
12 Reply- +1 y
Don’t hit the wall brace yourself for it
- +1 y
Oh c'mon now, being single has it's perks.
As long as you don't have a kid or any other dependents, you get to actually enjoy the freedom of being able to choose what you want to do, when you want to do it, and how you want to do it.
Plus, doing yardwork, fixing/repairing things, and cleaning the house isn't that bad. You don't need a man or a woman to do those things and I keep my house pretty clean. There isn't a moment today as I was leafblowing/raking, cleaning the pool, or cleaning the house in which I wished I wasn't single.
I got my own room to myself with my own bed. I enjoy it.
Anonymous(36-45)+1 yThat would be hell.
00 Reply1.6K opinions shared on Dating topic. Why would it be? I am 56 and single.
01 ReplyI am single and alone at the moment.
00 Reply3.7K opinions shared on Dating topic. It would be great
00 Reply
+1 yNo it is not 😁😁
00 Reply
+1 ybetter than being married 😂
10 Reply324 opinions shared on Dating topic. Maybe but it's a life I will have to live.
00 Reply
+1 yI personally don't care
00 ReplyNo I think it would be fine.
00 Reply- 1.5K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 ySounds like perfection to me.
00 Reply
+1 yI'm 49 and I hate being alone.
10 Reply
Anonymous(45 Plus)+1 yBetter to be alone then hurt by anyone
01 Reply
Asker+1 yVery true
No? Lol
00 Reply- 1.5K opinions shared on Dating topic.
+1 yNope
00 Reply
+1 yPerspective.
00 Reply3.1K opinions shared on Dating topic. Baby at my age you are a hotie
00 Reply
Anonymous(45 Plus)+1 yI think it would be great.
00 Reply
+1 yYep.
10 Reply
+1 yyes.
00 ReplyNot for me.
00 Reply- Show More (2)
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