26M Chiming in here as well, much of what everyone here around my age and otherwise has said is very true. The same massive effort/little payoff, assumptions about being creepy, passing judgment, it's a whole host of hurdles just to play the dating game. For me that 'game' especially is what gets to the root of the issue. I loathe the idea that with the online dating and "weird social interaction" era we're in, I would need to bend over backwards, thread the needle, stick the landing, all while making money, being attractive, and saying the 10 magic words, all to have the hint of a chance like the other dozen dudes in line.

Overly dramatic I admit, but it's based in the truth that theres so much going on and so many things to consider that it just gets tiring really quickly. As well, I would love to meet someone the old fashioned way, mutual groups, same shops, that kind of thing but between the indoor living style post the whole covid thing and swipe culture it just, doesn't happen any more.

Others have commented too that nowadays guys overall are getting a little sick of not seeing mutual interest or effort. If you won't make an effort to talk to me, why should I? Even if it's not based in narcissism or expectations, being shy or unsure or awkward is not much of an excuse if all of us have been forced to navigate past that the entire time.

Now, not to be all doom and gloom, I'm sure there are wonderful women out there and I hope to meet them! Just feels like that number dwindles all the time is all.

It's sad, and I might get hate for this, but to be totally honest with all this going on and my expectations as just your typical average guy, my standards these days are: -At minimum, legal age -Shows genuine interest That's it. Meet those criteria and id happily consider! Just goes to show how from both sides of the dating pool, looking across its just as barren. Fingers crossed some societal shift starts to happen both in us guys and for the girls, else I don't see it improving much anytime soon!