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"They Give Themselves Away Right Away" - We Asked Men Why Dating Feels Tough These Days

Szőke Angéla5 min read
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"They Give Themselves Away Right Away" - We Asked Men Why Dating Feels Tough These Days — Relationship
In this article

We know how challenging dating can be for women nowadays, but hearing from men, it turns out they’re not having it any easier.

Goodbye

I thought there was something seriously wrong with me since no one wanted to date me. Then a podcast opened my eyes: dating apps have three times as many men as women, and 80% of the men there don’t interest the women. Every woman chases the narrow 20% who are tall (around 6'1"), handsome, and successful. I’m a 5'7" IT guy with glasses, earning decently but still renting. After that, I stopped blaming myself.

Forget It

Dating wears me out—it’s stressful, expensive, and demoralizing. I look good and have had some success with women, but it’s so hard to find someone who truly understands me, shares my values, and has the same goals. In five years, I met only one woman like that—and on the fourth date, she mentioned she was actually married. I’m just burned out. Honestly, I wouldn’t go on a date even if someone held a gun to my head.

Not Enough

If you’re an average-looking guy without loads of cash or a magnetic personality that sweeps women off their feet, your chances are slim. Dating feels like a job interview where I know I’m not qualified enough to get hired.

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Circumstances

I live in a small village in the countryside. My dad passed away, and my mom is old and sick—I take care of her. No one wants to start dating a guy who has to be home every night on time to feed and bathe his mother.

Success

I have money, and that’s actually part of the problem. As soon as they see my car or I drive them home, they give themselves away right away. But I’m looking for a woman who loves me for who I am, not my money. I’ve even thought about buying a beat-up car to “filter” them out…

No

In the past, women would honestly tell me if I wasn’t their type. After a date, I’d get a message like “Sorry, you’re not my type” or “We’re not a match, but good luck with dating.” That was fair and helped me move on quickly. Nowadays, it’s more common for women to unmatch silently the next day or ghost—never replying again. Sometimes, even worse, they keep texting without serious intent just to keep me as a backup option. (Or maybe backup C or Z option…)

Escape

I’m 38, divorced, with three kids. I don’t want more, so women without kids aren’t an option because understandably, they want to become mothers. That leaves single moms who also don’t want more kids—but they come with a big emotional package. They often resent their ex-husbands because the divorce is either fresh or unresolved. I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to women talk about how terrible their kids’ dad was. I don’t doubt it, but it’s exhausting to hear on every date. Another challenge is that many of these moms are looking for a stepdad for their kids, which I get, but I already have three kids and no time or energy for stepkids. It’s really tough.

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Connected

I’m tall, athletic, and considered handsome, with my own business—and even I struggle. I just can’t find a woman I truly connect with. I’m 36, and twenty-somethings feel like a different generation—I barely understand them. They’re superficial, glued to their phones, with no hobbies or goals. Women over 40 have been through a lot and often lack the fire and enthusiasm I’m looking for. The ideal group—women in their thirties—split into single moms and women still single who just want to get married and have kids because time is running out. I want to have fun and travel with my partner, making memories before starting a family.

Transporter

I don’t have a car or even a driver’s license, and no one wants to date a guy without a car. After a date, I put them on the night bus—that’s all I can offer for now, and it’s not appealing to women, understandably. First, I need to save up for my license, then a car. Until then, I’m not even trying to date because it’s pointless.

Irons in the Fire

Several times, girls sent sexy photos on Snapchat, but when I asked them out, they always found an excuse not to meet. I eventually deleted them because it made no sense, only to end up with the same type again. These girls weren’t looking for a partner or attention—and I don’t even want to know how many guys they sent those photos to. I’ve let go of all my conditions; I don’t care how a woman looks or what she does. I just want to be loved and have someone by my side, but I simply can’t find anyone.

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