“He’s like, 12” The correct way to refer to any male younger than you. It’s also what you will find out and about most Saturday nights. Men commonly not over the age of 25, and this is something I want to take a moment to talk about.
It’s the age old question. Why are there so many great, attractive & available women in their thirties yet no great available men of the same age? I’ll tell you why. It’s because men in that age group are dating women under 25. I get it. They’re young and bouncy and most likely come with no strings attached. This is not new information for us women. The time-honoured tradition of men dating women (often much) younger than themselves is alive and well. We know this.
Meanwhile what if the situation is now reversing and younger men are starting to prefer older women? I’m telling you, this is a thing. I can’t go out anywhere these days without somehow attracting 20-somethings no matter where I go or how I dress. I suppose I should be flattered. Or very concerned.
So this got me to thinking about venues, where my girlfriend’s and I might prefer to hang out on a Saturday night and with that kind of crowd. Around the time this discussion was had, the conversation concerning Tinder and online dating in general was brought up, as we’ve all dabbled (mostly due to boredom-or at least on my part) just to see what the fuss is all about. Don’t get me wrong, it works wonderfully for some and I know of people who are now married after meeting online so there is definitely a market for it. It’s definitely not for me though.
The question we raised, was; are you increasing your chances or meeting someone of the right age/mindset/location by using these apps. I guess so. It all comes back to people’s honesty and finding out why they are out and about looking to hook up in the first place.
Because no matter how many boxes you tick or fill out, or how many text messages are exchanged, there is this thing called “liars”. Surveying the dating efforts of friends around me, it seems to me just as much luck is achieved via online endeavours as making the effort of physically putting yourself out there.
Regardless, it seems to me that the current dating world consists of 25 and under, no matter how you are meeting them. So I put the question out there; what’s happening with us over 30’s? Are we staying home more? Saving for a house? More than likely over the clubbing scene and hitting up only very select bars? On the couch exhausted from a long working week and trolling through Tinder because you can’t be bothered going out? Not really concerned with dating in general? I think it’s probably a case of all of the above.
I am often mistaken for being younger which I quickly shut down, whilst secretly cheering inside of course. However I have realised this is not so much due to my appearance anymore, as much as it is my nomadic ways, carefree attitude and personality. I have a lot of friends. Mostly the same age, some younger, some older. Regardless of whatever crew I am hanging out with, I am constantly advised I act like a 25 year old which probably explains why these young boys mistake me for one of their own kind. Horrified, I have tried to act more “mature” and “adult”.
Thing is, after turning 31 the other day I realised I don’t want to. Adulting is not for me.
Having fun and being who you are is what makes you attractive full stop – regardless at what age. I stopped worrying why I only seem to attract the younger dudes and actually started making friends with them and enjoying life.
However you are meeting people these days, it sounds terribly cliché but remember to be true to who you are, relax and just have fun. The right people will be attracted to you when this happens. There’s no point in acting how old you ‘think’ you should be because they’re going to find out who you really are anyway.
Which in my case, is not, in fact, a 31 year old.