What are the reasons for being single over 40?

[Anonymous]

There is a lady at my work who is mid to late 40s, lives with her dog. Doesn't seem to have much of a social life. Outside of taking her dog for a walk, doesn't have much else to say. I find it unusual because she is actually attractive, highly intelligent and friendly to all and I'm considerably younger.

Updates

+1 y

Sorry, should mention she has never been married and has no kids.

[jennifer_bloom]

I was watching a television program and a married couple that looked better than Ryan Gosling and Miranda Kerr decided to raise money for charity together by climbing Mount Everest. I was surprised cause it’s normal for unattractive people to do big deeds for attention but these were very good looking people who could get attention and respect by doing absolutely nothing with their lives and yet they wanted to torment their bodies for a charitable cause. Most of the attractive people I know do not care how good they look and just want to be ambitious and hard working and righteous, that’s how they got their good looks in the first place, by eating carrots, drinking coffee and studying at home while everyone else was binging and eating party pizzas and dancing at clubs.

[Veles]

How do you know she’s single? Maybe she keeps her relationship private.

[Asker]

She mentions how expensive costs are when you're on your own

[EnglishArtsteacher]

There are countless reasons for being single over 40 years old, and virtually all of them apply for reasons to be single 40 years old, and younger. For this particular woman, maybe the following applies (and some of these may overlap).

-She's single by choice.

-She's asexual.

-She has atrocious social skills.

-She's secretly a vile person, even if she's "friendly".

-You all are located in an area where most people get in a long-term relationship, and the availability of single people is limited.

-Even though you find her physically attractive, most other people don't.

-She only prefers casual hookups, and never wants to get in a relationship (to be honest, this is more common among women her age than young women).

Of course, there can be other reasons too.

[Anonymous]

Well I'm in my 40's, single, and really see no reason to change it because I'm quite content. I don't go out much either so I don't meet that many women. But the women I have me I have to admit, I really don't feel like I'm missing much. The older you get the more you just cherish your peace and happiness. This woman probably like me has just found that and sees no reason to mess with success.

[RebelinSteel]

Loads of reasons, including she may be gay.

[Fireguy17]

personal choice.
some people don't need to be with another person to be happy.
I was single in my early 40s.

[SotiCoto]

She probably prefers it that way. But you could ask her if you don't mind coming across as awkward.

[BarryLiverstone]

Divorced, widowed, doesn’t want to get married, abusive past…

[BarryLiverstone]

Per the update if you know those facts then you have talked to her. You tell us why she is single

[Asker]

In a very British way, I've never considered asking her what happened. It would make it seem like I'm inferring there is something wrong with her. Whereas I'm curious what reasons others could have.

[BarryLiverstone]

But you do believe something is wrong so it would be the truth to ask.

[Jmmmfi4]

I've LOST ALL HOPE... IM CONVINCED NO GIRL WOULD WANT ME ANYWAY

[Anonymous]

Personal preference? Bad experiences with dating or just burned out with the dating scene.

[boobliker]

you have not been looking