"They Are Not Even Trying": 50 Women Get Real Honest Why They Don't Want To Date Men

The Pew Research Center has found that 71% of women aged 40 and above aren't looking for a relationship, compared with 42% of men 40 and older.

Experts have a few explanations for this.

“There’s been a simple but profound shift in the dating space: Women are realizing that protecting their peace is their number one priority,” dating and relationship expert Danielle Szetela told the Daily Mail.

“They’re afraid of losing themselves in relationships that ask them to shrink, settle, or self-abandon,” she added, saying that more women are now “choosing peace over chaos, purpose over pressure, and emotional safety over surface-level connection.”

She notes that for modern women, being single isn't a failure—it's a form of self-love.

“They’re not waiting for love to complete them—they’re protecting the wholeness they’ve fought so hard to feel,” she said. “Because for today’s woman, being single isn’t a failure—it’s a form of self-love.”

There's a big difference between being single and feeling lonely. And with women having bigger social circles than men, they are more fulfilled being single and surrounded by their non-romantic relationships than their male counterparts.

Research has found that men have more to gain from partnering than women, so single women shouldn't let anyone make them feel like they're missing out.

“The best relationships come when you’re your best self—and that takes time, introspection, and a whole lot of self-love. Be patient with yourself, and remember, there’s no rush," said counselor Brittney LaBonte.

“Women are creating lives that are rich with experiences and accomplishments, not bound by the pressure to ‘settle down,'” LaBonte said, adding that a woman's sole purpose doesn't need to be finding love.

“It’s about being a whole, complete person before bringing someone else into the mix.”

Besides, being single doesn't mean that women aren't dating. They may be dating multiple people and exploring other experiences.

“And for others, the local ‘fish in the sea’ just isn’t cutting it, so they choose to invest their time and energy elsewhere — like on themselves,” LaBonte said.