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The Absolute Hardest Parts Of Dating After Age 30

A man and a woman having coffee
two mugs with coffee on table

30 is the new 20.

At least, that's what a lot of people tell themselves after they pass that milestone birthday.

Even so, while age is merely a number, people still find certain things grow increasingly more challenging with each passing year.

Including, or even particularly, dating.

Those still on the hunt for love after turning 30 might grow increasingly insecure, worry that their moment has passed, or be unable to ignore the ticking of their biological clock reminding them that time might be running out to start a family.

Not to mention, playing a losing game over and over can become completely and utterly exhausting after a while.


Redditor MrNiceDudeFun was curious to hear the biggest challenges of finding love from ager 30 and upwards, leading them to ask:
"What is the hardest part of dating after 30?"

Not Everyone Wants A Package Deal

"Realizing that the number of single parents is larger than you’d expect."- dhabo1030

"Some people have kids or want them soon."

"And emotional baggage."- Psyblade0_0

"Kids, whether you have them or not, is something to talk and consider immediately before starting anything."- Crisb89

"For me, it was finding someone who didn't have kids, and didn't want them."

"At that point in my life, I was (and still am) 100% sure I don't want kids."

"Finding a long-term partner who wants the same was pretty tough."- Toiletpaperplane

"Everyone has kids."- TopScruffy

Playing Happy Children GIF by MOODMANGiphy

Everyone's In A Hurry

"'Dating after 30 is like catching a city bus after midnight'."

"'There aren't as many, but they're faster'."- civex

How Long Have You Got?

"Online dating sucks and all my friends are married or dead or single fathers."

"So I am on my own for the most part."- somedude-83

"It's not all fun and games anymore."

"People feel late or behind."

"First dates often: are we compatible, do you want kids, are you OK with my kids, are you ready for a serious relationship, do you make enough money, do you own a home, politics?"

"Religion."

"I don't have time to mess with you if we aren't a match because I'm in my 30s and supposed to be married and having kids."

"The days of just light fun dating are less common."- ZLVe96

Kill Me Now Season 1 GIF by FriendsGiphy

Emotional And/Or Excess Baggage

"Geez."

"You sometimes pay for what their ex did to them."- JJJAAABBB123

Rising Standards And Expectations

"You have your preferences narrowed down a LOT more than you did in your 20s, thus finding a compatible partner is more difficult."

"Especially if you dislike kids."- Clintman

"Many people want 'high value' partners while having no value."- Zetterburger40

Sassy Red Wine GIF by Married At First SightGiphy

Solo routines Can Be Hard To Shake...

"I've learned I prefer my own company."- PrinceEnternalStench

Alternative Methods...

"The summoning rituals you have to go through."- AdCareful5654

Wait Till Your 40s...

"Wait until they’re over 45."

"Most are divorced and have been alone for a while."

"It‘s a reset of dating and they’re open to try something new."

"That person who was out of your league is now squarely in your court."

"Go for it!"- macgiv

See Ya Goodbye GIF by MaxGiphy

Good Luck Getting A Good Night's Sleep...

"CPAP Machines."- Reddit

As long as you are single, finding love is one of the many things you think you might never achieve with each passing year.

However, when you do finally find that one true love, no matter when or how old you are, you will realize in no time at all it was definitely worth the wait.

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