First of all, it isn’t easy, and dating in your 30s doesn’t get easier. The first date jitters, the tedious small talk, and the hours of preparation in the bathroom. And for what? Some guy or girl that you may or may not hit it off with?
But a little something called hope keeps us going for more. If you’re fresh into your 30s *or even well into this decade* and trying to figure out how the dating scene works, I’m right here beside you. Let’s take a look at what it’s like dating in your 30s.
# Slim pickings
Yeah, you may be walking into the dating community thinking that it’s gonna be flowing with men. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it is heavily stocked with men. But, you’re going to be going through a lot of partied out bachelors and a fair share of divorcees.
I don’t know which is worse, probably the bachelors since all they’ve done is live in party land. So, basically, there are three types of men: those who can’t commit, those who can but want to be careful, and those who are normal. Aim for the third group.
# The biological clock is tickingWhether you like it or not, there’s a biological clock ticking in all of us women. So, if you’re interested in having kids when you’re dating in your 30s, you’re not looking for a boyfriend you’re looking for a sperm donor.
You’re looking for a partner who has a stable job, stable mind, and wants to start a family. So, though dating should be fun for you, you’re probably sitting at the bar with this guy with a checklist in the back of your mind.
# You know what you wantBy the time you reach 30, you know what you want. You know, somewhat, what kind of guy you’d like in your life and where you’d like to be in 5 or 10 years. Your 20s was mostly spent wasting money on clothes and cocktails.
However, with every drunken night spent, you learned more about yourself. And now you’re here, clear-minded with a sense of where you want your life to go.
# Men want them youngThis part’s a bummer. Men in their 30s aren’t really looking for women in their age group. They want them young. They want fresh meat, so don’t take it personally. They want this because they’re immature and can’t handle a woman who’s experienced.
Younger women have that “fertile” look to them. If you think back, older men were probably hitting on you when you were in your 20s. Well, now you’re in your 30s and they’re nowhere to be seen. It’s for the best – you don’t want an old guy anyway.
# You’re well educated on the dating sceneYou’ve done this all before. You know when a guy is just looking to score or when he’s a little on the creepy side. Why? Because you’ve been on hundreds of dates and you know the signs before you even see them. You’re a seasoned dater. So, take this knowledge and use it to your advantage when sifting through the eligible bachelors.
# Young guys want you
Young guys dig older women. No, you’re not a MILF – you haven’t made it to that status yet *unless you have a child*. So, congratulations. Younger men always want to have an experience with an older, wiser, and sexier woman. So, basically, they’re looking for an another mommy. I know, you’re still young. I’m on your side.
# Men are intimidated by youMakes sense. I mean, you’ve been there and done that. So, when you’re sitting across the table from your date and you’re telling him about your educational background and where you’ve traveled, hell yes, you’re intimidating. When you were in your 20s, your ambitions were seen as sweet, but now that you’ve completed them, you’re a lethal weapon.
# Wing-women don’t existYeah, you should know this by now. Most of your friends are engaged or married, so they’re not hitting the bars with you in hopes of meeting a nice guy. They’re done. It even makes dating more difficult since usually couples hang out with other couples. Not good if you’re looking to mingle.
# You may come with extra baggageYou have a couple of serious relationships under your belt, so naturally, that comes with its own set of baggage. This is completely normal.
In your 20s, your biggest issue was passing an exam or making sure you had enough travel money. Now, you may have children, be in debt, or have issues developed from your ex, so this is going to be a challenge.
These issues will all come up eventually when you’re dating. Oh, and they’ll have their own baggage as well. Double the baggage, double the fun.