Men and women are different species. As a general rule, women reach their peak of desirability in their 20s and it goes down from there, though the steepness of the downward slope varies. In contrast, men are all over the map. Some men who are studs in their 20s are unrecognizable by 40 (and not in a good way). Others who are “nerds” when they are younger get much more desirable as they age. But, the bottom line is that women have a much shorter shelf life than men in terms of being viewed as a prospective mate.
Many young women fall into the trap of having a boyfriend for 5+ years who has no intention of ever marrying them. I realize that they might love these guys, but they are wasting the best years of their lives on someone who is essentially using them. On the other hand, I think having more experience helps a man stay married. In that way, he won’t feel like he’s missing out on something when he gets older.
There is a rule for men that states: marry someone who is half your age + 7). I think this is a good rule for both men and women.
“As a general rule, women reach their peak of desirability in their 20’s and it goes down from there...”
Really? Men “are all over the map?” Either you look good for your age or you don’t. Let me guess... you are under 30?
I am sad to say, very sad, that my eldest daughter is one of those young women. She spent 3 years with one guy, and it didn't work out. I told her don't do that again, waste 3 years on someone who will never commit. She did anyway. There was also a high school guy that she wasted a few years on.
So, now she is 29 with three broken hearts and no prospects at the moment for the future.
She is a highly intelligent young woman; but, she went from high school, to college, to grad school, to working for a university. So, a very smart girl, with some very silly ideas. I think the culture, and the educational system, fill these girls with ideas that the most important thing is to have a fulfilling career. When they realize that they actually do want a husband and a family, they are at an age where getting both of those things are problematic.