At what age should a man stop trying to get a girlfriend?

[Anonymous]

I am 46 and I think it is time for me to quit because the majority of them are already married, divorced, or simply doesn't want a man. Which leaves younger Women who are too young.

Updates

6 mo

I sincerely doubt that most people on GAG are in my situation.

[RavVid]

When you no longer think a girlfriend will add value to your life.

Truth is of course the older we get, the pool gets smaller and of lower quality (which include us). Divorced women and women who partied into their thirties.

Quite a number of them realise their window for children is rapidly disappearing. You need to decide if you are up for marriage & children. You also need to realise that 50% of the happy brides are divorcing when the two kiddies make it to elementary school after about 8 years of marriage.

For myself, I have decided that is not good enough. Dunno about US but prenups for me become invalidated when children are born. There is a risk reward calc to make.

Possibly the first thing you should do is to discuss with a divorce lawyer and get instructions on how not to lose what you have built up.

[RavVid]

Thanks for a MHO. Good luck and pick carefully.

[mstbooblover]

Without ever forcing the search for a girlfriend, things often just happening, one should never, by taking a stubborn decision, stop trying and maybe ultimately find that girlfriend. I mean still keeping in mind that maybe very small chance, but without attaching desperately to that possibility.

Meaning in plain words: not actively searching, but keeping the door a little open. Life may have some surprises in store for us ;0)

[Chazmatazz269]

It depends upon what you want out of a relationship.
If you’re a masochist and/or a sucker, all you want out of a relationship with women is to give everything of yourself in exchange for nothing in return. In which case you only stop when you have nothing left to give.
If you’re a taker, you stop when you develop a conscience and you can’t live your life taking without ever giving back.
Most of us are somewhere in between, a bit of giver and a bit of taker. But either extreme is enough reason to hang it up. I tend to be more giver than taker, but i wasn’t devoid of expectations. The moment that i realized that i was never going to receive in the same measure as i gave or vice versa, i gave up on committed relationships.
You gotta figure out where you land on that spectrum for yourself. I currently have no regrets, but i’m certain that giving up too soon delivers the same quantity of regrets as staying in the game too long.

[DishLady]

I’ve never seen a man not date unless he was married… but “gf” becomes “companion” at some point when the term “girl” ceases to apply to the lady. Many guys actually now say “this is my lady, ___” in some parts as a courtesy and to avoid using “girlfriend” which can be misinterpreted as being a temporary thing.

[Finchie40]

A man should never stop trying to, I don’t
Care how old I am , I love females’ and sex , I will use a cane to hold my ass up to pound her if have to lol

[OlderAndWiser]

I was dating at age 65 when I met the woman who is not my wife. Quit if you want but I'm not a quitter!

[OlderAndWiser]

. . . who is NOW my wife. . .

[Asker]

I sincerely doubt that most people on GAG are in my situation.

[OlderAndWiser]

All I recall about your situation is that you are 46, not married, and not happy.

[Asker]

@olderandwiser That is not enough information.

[AviatorTom]

Why stop at any age? Enjoy the hunt! 😎

[BobbieBoy666]

There's no specific age a man should stop trying to get a girlfriend; it's more about personal readiness, focusing on self-improvement, and shifting from actively "seeking" to living a full life where love can naturally emerge, with many finding success and happiness in their 30s, 40s, and beyond by building confidence, financial stability, and a life worth sharing. Giving up actively looking for love can sometimes lead to finding it, as it reduces desperation, but it's crucial to build a fulfilling life and remain open to connection, not just stop trying altogether.
When to Re-Evaluate Your Approach
If feeling desperate or unsuccessful: If repeated attempts lead to rejection, step back and focus on personal growth (career, fitness, social life) rather than forcing dates.
If you're not truly ready: If societal pressure pushes you but you don't genuinely desire a relationship, it might not be the right time; prioritize self-discovery.
When Dating Can Be More Successful (Especially for Older Men)
30s & Beyond: Many find dating better in later years due to increased maturity, financial stability, and self-awareness, attracting women who value experience and capability.
Building a Life: Focus on creating an exciting, stable life, as this makes you a more attractive partner and provides a foundation for a shared future.
Key Mindset Shifts
Stop "Trying" to "Live": Instead of hunting for a partner, build a life that attracts someone, focusing on your passions and adventures.
Quality Over Quantity: As you mature, you'll focus more on character and compatibility than superficial traits, leading to deeper connections.
Never Too Late: People find love at all ages; the goal is to be the best version of yourself so you're ready when the right person appears.
Ultimately, the decision isn't about age, but about aligning your efforts with personal growth and happiness, whether that means actively dating or embracing singledom until love finds you.

[Lyndseylou38]

Don't quit! I'm turning 35 pretty soon and I'm still looking for love! I've never been married and I don't have any kids and I have no desire to be running around the streets or grovelling for attention online! I grew up in Texas but everything fell apart when my Dad moved us to California where everyone cheats, gets high, has no ambition, doesn't believe in marriage or is abusive in some form or another. I just want to stay home and take care of my family..., if I had one. So I don't believe you should give up!

[Asker]

I think you are right, ti depends on what kind of people you are living around. The people I live around, they are stuck up.

[PeachyPie93]

Quit looking for a girlfriend and get out and socialize.. If you are weird you will feel it and see it from the people you socialize with and this will help you to learn how to act right. Also if you see how people are dressed nice and you like it start dressing like that. It's hard to find a partner who likes you if you look like a dork, don't take care of yourself or is just weird in social situations because of self isolation.. If you are charismatic and funny its much easier to attract a mate even if you are ugly.. So start learning how to conform to society and getting woman will be easy..

[CalmUntilAbused]

"Do. Or do not. There is no try." Funnily enough, it matches what most women expect:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/XZ3OPifyQZ8

As long as the woman is over 18 years old, it is okay to go for her, no matter Yoir own age. Therefore, there is no age when You should stop the search for a girlfriend. Even if You are certain You will not find a girlfriend where You live (if You live in the West), You can always become a passport bro. It is never over. Sometimes men are just looking in all the wrong places.

[Mysticknght]

I dont think a guy should quit but maybe look at what your standards and beliefs are. Like are you willing to date someone who is say like 28 or in their 30s? Besides you never know what's waiting around the corner , I dont think you should give up but maybe just wait for it to come to you...

[RHK36]

There shouldn't. Instead maybe just keep the focus on one's self until the right person comes along. If you focus on yourself you'll not pay attention to the lack of good potential partners. Sometimes people forces things and it takes longer to find the right person.

[Anonymous]

there are 70 yr olds still getting married...

but I think the key to getting married as an older gentlemen is really to lower your standards and settle for the few things that truly matter.

the older you get, the less options you have which leads people to just be less picky

[CalmUntilAbused]

Well, most men's standards these days are as follows:

- Female
- Alive
- Over 18 years old
- Does not want me dead for being a man

I don't think there is any room to lower those standards anymore. In fact, there is another standard we should add:

- Loyal

Even with their standards this low, most men these days fail to find their significant other. The only way out of it is to force a collapse of this rotten society. I believe the MGTOW way is not the only one (I mean, VTubers exist, therefore not all women hate men just for being men), but it might just be the easiest one.

[Opinion Owner]

@CalmUntilAbused

Men tend to have higher standards than women.

[CalmUntilAbused]

Come on, even the most aware women know it is not true at this point - check out Shoe0nHead or Christine Grace Smith for proof.

[Opinion Owner]

@CalmUntilAbused

It's not true at all.

You never see a man going for a woman 8 years older or fat.

You just see men constantly talking about how they won't date a woman over 30 over the Internet

[ArrowheadSW]

I think it is an "individual" thing. Some people are more relationship oriented than others. One friend of mine, her dad is 89 going on 40... (He acts young and energetic.) He hangs out with a few ladies but says that he doesn't want a girlfriend. Others over 50 are actively looking. Just depends.

[sawno]

Don't have to stop at all, just face reality that its a small dating pool at that age. You will have to settle for someone who has a past, thats all thats left and you probably also fall into that category. But that doesn't mean that you should let someones past stand in between your own happyness, accept it, help them heal if needed and then enjoy the relationship.

[Theunfadeable]

What a weird ass question. I don’t think anybody’s watching you or keeping count on how many years you’ve been trying to get a girlfriend😆 the girlfriend commission is pretty relaxed these days so you can keep trying until you get tired I guess? Most marriages ended up in divorce so there’s always going to be some old women on the street for you to chase

[UrLoveMocha]

Men can almost always get someone, so I wouldn’t stop trying if I were you.

[Bricealan]

@wonderingmanii There are many women your age in society, that are divorced, single, or in a bad relationship or marriage. Why would you stop looking at age 46?

[Joshydavid25]

Atthe age where decides to give up.. Because there are always women out there..

[Nikki1989]

Like I have posted on here many times, I know someone who was married at 72. It is never too late.

[Anonymous]

I believe there is someone for everyone, young, old, whatever. I have seen people have their first dates in their 60s.

[Asker]

I don't believe that at all. I think originally that was true, but then the world and the attitude of human's became corrupt. Which prevents someone for everyone.

[Anonymous]

I have the same issues... I guess if I win the lottery, I'll suddenly become more attractive to younger girls, so I'll be able to find a girlfriend of my preferences (18-35).

[Cheerfull009]

No age limit for this , even 100 years old man has erection, even 32 years man loose erection, so far man get erection, need sex

[Anonymous]

What’s wrong with a divorced woman? Or a woman who’s never been married?

[sawno]

Some guys don't want the baggage, but at his age he won't have that luxury everyone he is ever going to date will have been with someone at some point. Personally I don't mind a girl with baggage as long as its baggage we can handle as a couple.

[Opinion Owner]

@sawno fair enough

[goaded]

What's wrong with divorced women?

[Asker]

Several things are possible. But I have heard that most marriages are ended by the woman.

[Staximus]

What is wrong with a divorced woman? You're not 20 anymore, dude. The majority of single women our age are divorced.

[DishLady]

Thank you. I tried explaining that to a guy (m54) and he acted like he needed a virginal young maiden (though he claims to actively be plowing his share of fields while waiting to meet his Helen of Troy)…

[Spencer10]

Never give up.

[dudeinohio]

I met my wife when I was 56. Never too late.

[beefcakebradybatson]

When he's six feet under ground !!!

[slatyb]

when he's got less than a year to live

[AngryCarl2]

You don't like gay divorcees?

[SmokyEnrique]

Where are u from?

[Asker]

A place that doesn't have any friendly females.

[SmokyEnrique]

at least tell me

[SmokyEnrique]

Are u look like old age or young?

[Drumlin2001]

Age is no barrier.

[jamesgoldman]

I quit at 19

[snermcger]

Forty Six.

[beenherebefore]

Never.

[Alex-Snow]

Maybe around 101

[Zionne]

depends