“Most were professionals: lawyers, engineers, and artists
Probably part of the problem.”
Most of the problem. They have worked hard and deserve what they want. Except for the “artists”, LOL. Most are pushing 30 and are now competing with 22 to 25-year-olds who have 5-8 more years of better fertility and hotter bodies. Good luck with that. It’s time to “settle” and make two people miserable. Maybe the anti-depressants will help.
Disillusionment and lousy marriages. Rots a Ruck.
The problem is worse than your suggesting.
Back in the days you could peruse singles listings for free, the largest group of female professionals in those listings were female attorneys.
Meanwhile, the guys would rather date their secretaries.