I married a man who had kids from a previous marriage. I married him because we really do love each other (he's the only person I've ever truly loved in a romantic way). That being said, dating and then marrying someone with kids was a huge hurdle and has required a lot of compromise (yes, I'm speaking from my perspective, but obviously my step kids had to compromise too). So many more complications. Make sure your kids really love and accept your new partner and vice versa assuming it gets to that point. Your relationship is not only about the two of you. Young kids can be a tough sell to new boyfriends and new boyfriends can be a tough sell to young kids. Good luck (I mean that sincerely, and wanted you to know that it can work). |
Go ahead and leave your marriage for good. No one should have to stay in a marriage just because they feel like they cannot get someone better. In fact, this is the worst reason ever to stay in a miserable marriage.
At 37 you are hardly ready to collect Social Security OP. You are still relatively young and many women your age have started over. So can you. I say no matter what you look like, make sure you give off the impression that you care about yourself. Put on some lipstick, stop wearing sweat pants to school drop offs and most of all convey a positive vibe to anyone who surrounds you. Smile, be confident and talk to people and ask them about themselves. In no time at all, I bet you will have the men lining up at your doorstep. |
I'm a man, and I will say this: you will probably have a harder time finding single men your age and younger who are interested in a serious relationship maybe leading to marriage. They will be willing to date casually. For most single, non-parent men, children are a drawback (someone else's kids, lifestyle change).
Older men and single fathers of all ages are better prospects for the long term, serious relationship. However, if you're attractive, you'll find all kinds of men who are interested in at least casual dating. All kinds of men will be interested in you and to the extent they can interact with just you, they'll be interested in doing so. If you date when your kids aren't with you (and really, as others have pointed out, it's best not to introduce a guy until it's really likely he's going to be around for the very long haul), you'll be fine. |
OP may find love, but an actual relationship may be tricky. She has a lot of baggage; no need to pretend it will be easy to find an eager taker regardless of how attractive a woman is. |
Bull. There is someone for everyone. |
A brief stroll through Walmart proves this. ![]() |
I'm a 36 year old woman with a 2 year old who is divorcing (for multiple very good reasons), and I didn't find the PP's post asshole-ish. I'm not looking to date now or anytime in the next couple of years, but I imagine I will eventually... and I also wouldn't be interested in doing the young child thing again at the ages PP mentions. My son will be in his late teens when I'm in my early 50s, and I can't imagine I'd want to be figuring out preschools or childcare coverage during breaks when I'm that age (as I am doing right now). I'm not sure why it would be wrong for me to feel that way as I look for another partner in the future; and if it's not wrong for me as a woman, it's not wrong for PP as a man. |
The prospects are fine - but give yourself a lot of time to transition out of your marriage and establish yourself as a single person. (And, of course, help your children transition) And, don't go into to dating to find your next spouse - just thinking of it as meeting new people and a way to build a social life. |
I'm the PP - I got separated at 35. I'm attractive, fun but I am overweight. I had absolutely no problem finding men who were interested -- either through online dating or in person.
I'm 39 now, in a long term relationship and very happy. |
It depends on what you are really after.
If it's a long-term relationship you desire, you might have better luck finding someone else with children. The closer in age to yours the better. If you just want to let your hair down and have some fun, get a babysitter and go to a bar and pick up a young stud. A drunk, horny, handsome man is out there looking for an older, mature, experienced woman, just like you! |
Exactly. Any woman can find a man in five seconds. |
Truth hurts. |
Well yeah, if they're willing to date 40 something, unemployable alcoholics who live with their mothers, sure. |
What good is finding someone you don't want to have sex with? OP, dating in your late 30s with kids is fine. I'm 38 with a tween and in a LTR. |
I am a 50+ male. My experience is it is all about standards and goals...If you are hot, and looking for someone hot, no problem. If you are like me and looking for someone hot...big problem. OTOH, if you are looking for someone comparable, then when things click, it will be good. For example, I am smart, creative (in a science way), and funny. Oh, and I have a 13 yo DD. I am looking for someone else who is smart, creative, and funny. If someone is looking for that, no problem.
If I was looking for an athlete type build who is 30, I would fail, unless she wants to take care of daddy, as I can not do what I used to do...F***ng cancer and heart disease... |