If you thought women were the only ones judged for not getting married or having kids by a certain age think again. Men are equally given the side eye if they are thirty-five and over with no kids, a wife/ex-wife or a baby mother at the least. The irony of it all is that it’s not society dishing the criticizing this time around, its women.
One would think we would know first hand how if feels to have expectations placed upon you regardless of your personal agenda and be criticized for it. We’ve been the primary target of society’s so called rule book for the last few years. Yet some of us are judging men who have no children or wife with that same book.
While the world considers them distinguished bachelors, some single women on the dating scene are considering them with caution. They are becoming more and more weary of men who are thirty-five and over with no ‘history’ of commitment or relationship capabilities because it’s hard for them to determine if he is truly ready and willing to have a serious relationship. It’s assumed that by a certain age a man has had either a child or long-term girlfriend/wife. One would guess a single man, who is educated, employed, independent, mature, with no baby mama drama or excess baggage would be a winner. But unfortunately, it’s not always that simple in the world of dating.
It was revealed to me by a group of single thirty-something year old women that men without any ‘relevant experience’ on their resumes should be given ‘red flags’. They said “men over thirty five without children or any sort of long term relationship experience are more likely to waste your time if you are looking for more than just a boyfriend”. These women believe, he is either a) secretly selfish and definitely not ready to divide the pie with a wife and kids b) not really interested in getting married or having a family at all or c) not 100% sure of his sexuality. These theories my seem harsh and judgmental but they are real concerns for many single ladies.
It seems as if the tables have turned and women have somehow become secretly hopeful that their potential mate comes with a little bit of baggage in order to prove he is willing and able to fulfill her dreams. Do you think it’s fair to judge men based on stereotypical beliefs? Should a man be judged not only by what he should have by a certain age but also by what he does not have?
