The Student Room Group

Seeking Mature Dating Advice [29M]

Dear TSR dwellers,

I am 29 years old. Turning 30 this year. I have never had a girl friend before. (I'm male). Its mostly because of priorities but sometimes I thought maybe I am bad looking. I had been using Bumble and Hinge for about 1 year, with the last couple months with more intention. I have not been very successful in terms of matches. One woman matched just to tell me I look horrible, but I laughed that off. Maybe there is a stigma around men with glasses? I am unsure.

I was hoping to ask what I can do to make myself more attractive as well as where I should I market myself, please? I don't like Clubbing and Bar scene. I am not interested in "one night stands". I just want to find someone to go Cafes with.. do activities and create memories with. I often find the travelling type of woman on Hinge and it puts me off because I don't think I can financially provide such needs.

I am also finding many matches say that it is a "Red Flag" that I am a 29 year old virgin. It hadn't bothered me before, because I assumed everyone's path is unique. But hearing it from multiple matches (average 24 - 28 years old), make me feel uneasy.

I would also say I used to be pretty awkward around women because I went to an all-boys school from year 7 to sixth form. I have often had difficulty socialising let alone with the opposite sex. But I have challenged myself and improved through Gym, sociable sports and activities. I believe I am ready for a relationship, consider myself emotionally mature. I am currently seeking a job as my role was made redundant previously, but I am close to the next opportunity.

I also have a couple medical conditions that I am worried.. the woman may not like.. or be unattractive.

I hope I can get some thoughts on my situation, appreciate it.

Reply 1

Original post
by Anonymous
Dear TSR dwellers,
I am 29 years old. Turning 30 this year. I have never had a girl friend before. (I'm male). Its mostly because of priorities but sometimes I thought maybe I am bad looking. I had been using Bumble and Hinge for about 1 year, with the last couple months with more intention. I have not been very successful in terms of matches. One woman matched just to tell me I look horrible, but I laughed that off. Maybe there is a stigma around men with glasses? I am unsure.
I was hoping to ask what I can do to make myself more attractive as well as where I should I market myself, please? I don't like Clubbing and Bar scene. I am not interested in "one night stands". I just want to find someone to go Cafes with.. do activities and create memories with. I often find the travelling type of woman on Hinge and it puts me off because I don't think I can financially provide such needs.
I am also finding many matches say that it is a "Red Flag" that I am a 29 year old virgin. It hadn't bothered me before, because I assumed everyone's path is unique. But hearing it from multiple matches (average 24 - 28 years old), make me feel uneasy.
I would also say I used to be pretty awkward around women because I went to an all-boys school from year 7 to sixth form. I have often had difficulty socialising let alone with the opposite sex. But I have challenged myself and improved through Gym, sociable sports and activities. I believe I am ready for a relationship, consider myself emotionally mature. I am currently seeking a job as my role was made redundant previously, but I am close to the next opportunity.
I also have a couple medical conditions that I am worried.. the woman may not like.. or be unattractive.
I hope I can get some thoughts on my situation, appreciate it.

The reason why you aren't attracting people is because your trying too hard to attract women if that makes any sense. Focus on improving yourself, gym and sports is already a good start. Ensure that your always trimmed up, well kept, good skin care and get glasses and a hair cut that actually suit your face. Do this with the intention of wanting to be a better you rather than doing it to impress or gain women's attention.

Socialising with women can be difficult if you havent had many interactions I guess.. do you have any close frienships with women? Getting to know their differences, interests and pet peeves as a baseline average is essential. If you haven't already, make some female from work, family friends or neighbours. It will increasse your comfortability with women and you will begin to see they aren't as different from men as you would think; we're all humans, they're not a different species.

And being a virgin at 29 is nothing to be ashamed about, ignore the people who are making fun of you for it. The right woman couldn't careless if you have or haven't, so those who make an issue then you know they aren't the one for you.

May I also ask, if you are comfortable, what are the medical conditions that you have that makes you feel they are unattractive to women?

Reply 2

Original post
by Anonymous
The reason why you aren't attracting people is because your trying too hard to attract women if that makes any sense. Focus on improving yourself, gym and sports is already a good start. Ensure that your always trimmed up, well kept, good skin care and get glasses and a hair cut that actually suit your face. Do this with the intention of wanting to be a better you rather than doing it to impress or gain women's attention.
Socialising with women can be difficult if you havent had many interactions I guess.. do you have any close frienships with women? Getting to know their differences, interests and pet peeves as a baseline average is essential. If you haven't already, make some female from work, family friends or neighbours. It will increasse your comfortability with women and you will begin to see they aren't as different from men as you would think; we're all humans, they're not a different species.
And being a virgin at 29 is nothing to be ashamed about, ignore the people who are making fun of you for it. The right woman couldn't careless if you have or haven't, so those who make an issue then you know they aren't the one for you.
May I also ask, if you are comfortable, what are the medical conditions that you have that makes you feel they are unattractive to women?

Thank you for your response. I don't believe I try at all, I just go with the flow. Whatever happens happens. I wonder if the Gym is "working" though because of my conditions. I have Klinefelters Syndrome which means I cannot build muscle the same way regular men can because of lack of Testosterone. I take TRT every 4 months but its not enough, its only enough to maintain "safe levels" as my endo tells me. There are other symptoms associated with KS like autism. I am on a wait list of the autism assessment. Individuals with KS also have poor social skills and worse with opposite sex. It could all be attributed to this.. but that's like giving up isn't it? I don't want to give up. I very much want to live a happy life. But with all the odds stacked against me... I don't even know.

The other condition is diabetes type 2. I was prone to diabetes because of KS. I control my diabetes very well, my doctor is usually impressed because I am on metformin only, I practice fasting and I track every gram of my diet in a journal like MyFitnessPal.

I guess the most important thing about KS long-term is infertility. I've met women who said they prefer to reproduce naturally and don't want medical procedures like IVF or surrogacy. I wonder if there is a place for me to be happy in this world.

Thank you for your support.

Reply 3

Original post
by Anonymous
Thank you for your response. I don't believe I try at all, I just go with the flow. Whatever happens happens. I wonder if the Gym is "working" though because of my conditions. I have Klinefelters Syndrome which means I cannot build muscle the same way regular men can because of lack of Testosterone. I take TRT every 4 months but its not enough, its only enough to maintain "safe levels" as my endo tells me. There are other symptoms associated with KS like autism. I am on a wait list of the autism assessment. Individuals with KS also have poor social skills and worse with opposite sex. It could all be attributed to this.. but that's like giving up isn't it? I don't want to give up. I very much want to live a happy life. But with all the odds stacked against me... I don't even know.
The other condition is diabetes type 2. I was prone to diabetes because of KS. I control my diabetes very well, my doctor is usually impressed because I am on metformin only, I practice fasting and I track every gram of my diet in a journal like MyFitnessPal.
I guess the most important thing about KS long-term is infertility. I've met women who said they prefer to reproduce naturally and don't want medical procedures like IVF or surrogacy. I wonder if there is a place for me to be happy in this world.
Thank you for your support.

Listen. Please don't ask my age because it might shock you. Let me say, the MOST POWERFUL muscle in the human body IS the BRAIN. You do NOT need to be perfect, muscular, wealthy etc etc. It is ALL down to your Brain and Personality. THAT is ALL it is down to at end of the day, HONESTLY. I cannot say what I could say because ot is private but believe what I have just said. CONFIDENCE, PERSONALITY and BRAIN. That is all you need and finding the lady who likes those in you. Does NOT matter what you look like at all.

Reply 4

Original post
by Anonymous
Listen. Please don't ask my age because it might shock you. Let me say, the MOST POWERFUL muscle in the human body IS the BRAIN. You do NOT need to be perfect, muscular, wealthy etc etc. It is ALL down to your Brain and Personality. THAT is ALL it is down to at end of the day, HONESTLY. I cannot say what I could say because ot is private but believe what I have just said. CONFIDENCE, PERSONALITY and BRAIN. That is all you need and finding the lady who likes those in you. Does NOT matter what you look like at all.

All it needs is for you to "put yourself out there" and get in situ's where you can have time to talk to them. Dating sites may NOT be best, join any clubs etc Also think of using a female hypnotherapist to get more confidence if needed.

Reply 5

Try some new hobbies that you’ll enjoy whatever and with the possibility of meeting someone with common interests, plus take a look at singles holidays. See of friends can help identify potential partners

Reply 6

Original post
by Zarek
Try some new hobbies that you’ll enjoy whatever and with the possibility of meeting someone with common interests, plus take a look at singles holidays. See of friends can help identify potential partners

I have just one friend but he is going through some problems of his own. I've asked some cousins, some give good pointers but all of them met their partners through having a large network of friends.

I have signed up for some local meetups, they start in late Feb and March, but I do feel a little scared about going to them. There are so many people, I've rarely been around so many people. I've often been described as highly introverted, quiet person, at the back.. how do you change your natural self? I suppose that question is a bit off-topic.

Reply 7

Original post
by Anonymous
I have just one friend but he is going through some problems of his own. I've asked some cousins, some give good pointers but all of them met their partners through having a large network of friends.
I have signed up for some local meetups, they start in late Feb and March, but I do feel a little scared about going to them. There are so many people, I've rarely been around so many people. I've often been described as highly introverted, quiet person, at the back.. how do you change your natural self? I suppose that question is a bit off-topic.

I would suggest you likely have what is known as "Social Anxiety". Try a hypnotherapist ,as they can help.

Reply 8

Original post
by Anonymous
I have just one friend but he is going through some problems of his own. I've asked some cousins, some give good pointers but all of them met their partners through having a large network of friends.
I have signed up for some local meetups, they start in late Feb and March, but I do feel a little scared about going to them. There are so many people, I've rarely been around so many people. I've often been described as highly introverted, quiet person, at the back.. how do you change your natural self? I suppose that question is a bit off-topic.

Well you’re doing the right things. Quite people find partners, it generally requires coming of the comfort zone a bit. There are quiet women too looking for romance

Reply 9

Original post
by Anonymous
Dear TSR dwellers,
I am 29 years old. Turning 30 this year. I have never had a girl friend before. (I'm male). Its mostly because of priorities but sometimes I thought maybe I am bad looking. I had been using Bumble and Hinge for about 1 year, with the last couple months with more intention. I have not been very successful in terms of matches. One woman matched just to tell me I look horrible, but I laughed that off. Maybe there is a stigma around men with glasses? I am unsure.
I was hoping to ask what I can do to make myself more attractive as well as where I should I market myself, please? I don't like Clubbing and Bar scene. I am not interested in "one night stands". I just want to find someone to go Cafes with.. do activities and create memories with. I often find the travelling type of woman on Hinge and it puts me off because I don't think I can financially provide such needs.
I am also finding many matches say that it is a "Red Flag" that I am a 29 year old virgin. It hadn't bothered me before, because I assumed everyone's path is unique. But hearing it from multiple matches (average 24 - 28 years old), make me feel uneasy.
I would also say I used to be pretty awkward around women because I went to an all-boys school from year 7 to sixth form. I have often had difficulty socialising let alone with the opposite sex. But I have challenged myself and improved through Gym, sociable sports and activities. I believe I am ready for a relationship, consider myself emotionally mature. I am currently seeking a job as my role was made redundant previously, but I am close to the next opportunity.
I also have a couple medical conditions that I am worried.. the woman may not like.. or be unattractive.
I hope I can get some thoughts on my situation, appreciate it.

You should never ever admit to women that you are a virgin unless you are highly religious. Women are wired to view pre selection as a positive and will view a virgin as having been rejected.

If your highly religious you could get away with it but your limiting your pool to highly religious women.

Reply 10

Just be yourself and don't fixate on it. Meet people not with the intention of getting laid. That's all I have ever done and I'm getting married before the end of the year.

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