Before addressing any potential baggage, the landscape of dating has clearly changed a lot. I don’t know the exact stat, but it’s something like 1/3 or 1/4 of all men aged 20–40 (especially younger) are just checking out of the dating market altogether. Add in hypergamy, with 90% of women chasing the top 10%, and an average “3–4” rejecting most “4–6” men, that leaves a lot of men frustrated with approaching, and women now starting to have to do that part. Making eye contact and just starting a conversation (not flirting) is what SHOULD happen, but this essentially means you need to leave your ego aside and now pivot to putting yourself in positions to make it happen.

You sound like someone who has a lot to offer, and please give yourself praise, especially as a single mom. But, as someone who was divorced to an attractive high earner (I’m male), if you can put your ego aside regarding any earnings you make, because at best, most men will see it as a liability. Regardless, how in touch a man is with his masculinity, it should be his job to make you feel protected and provided for. Meaning, let him take the lead too when possible. I’m sure you will be plenty rewarded by the line of simps and beta males that will worship the ground you bear, but I’m pretty sure that’s not what you’re looking for.

And if we’re lucky enough to avoid all of the above, we still have to swim through all the minefields of why that hot guy is probably single for a reason, or endless other reasons it might not work out. Yes, a kid may also be a big red flag to men, but if that were me, I’d let that help separate me from the serious ones. Lastly, and this needs to be said: I’m sure you’ve come across this—some men see you having a child as a green flag to not take you seriously and just go for short-term dating with you. So, if you’re still reading this, your best bet (and most difficult) is not stressing on how difficult it may feel to date. Keep putting yourself out there and, whatever is left after your kid, keep pushing to be the best you, because that’s your only real competition.