What's the longest period of unintended singledom you've experienced?

[Love'sReject]

No kidding, bro. Actually, I didn't even see my girlfriend all that much while we were going out because I wasn't allowed to go out (crazy mom). So even while we were going out..lots of that, let's just say..

[smackie9]

he started when he was 14? I thought that started at around 8 or 9.

[MehicanFather]

Maybe in canada, but in normal countries, usually about 14.

[Love'sReject]

he started when he was 14? I thought that started at around 8 or 9.

Dudes start that early? WTF? I didn't even know what it was until I was 14.

[ashley89]

I've been single for 2 years now but it has been mostly my choice... I have been on dates and have seen a few guys but I never felt anything for them and didn't want to lead them on into thinking it would end up in a relationship. I get asked out often enough but either it is my fear of being hurt again or just not being interested in them so I have remained single. I want to change that!

[MehicanFather]

She's canadian bro. Their parents usually start them young.

[MehicanFather]

Think I've gone too far with that one, lol.

[Love'sReject]

I don't know the OPs whole story, but I'll add my perspective, so people can maybe understand where a long-time single dude is coming from.

I've been single for about two-and-a-half years. In that time, I've hung out with some women, and had the odd date here or there, but, for the most part, I've been solidly single. As background, I've had relationships ranging from several months to almost five years. I'm 31. I'm not much of a hookup type of guy. I've done it, but that's not my thing. I'm more of the committed boyfriend type. I have a good job, went to a great college, and consider myself a cool, funny, and intelligent guy. As far as looks go, I would say I'm average. I'm short and thin, but totally happy with how I look. That being said, I have no problem admitting plenty of other guys have a leg up on me in respect to appearance.

And I'm single. I don't say that negatively or positively. Just stating a fact. If I had to hazard a guess why I'm single, I would say it's because of two reasons: 1) The status of the modern dating/hookup/male-female interaction scene is more or less beyond me. It seems convoluted, disingenuous, and generally a PITA. And 2) I meet very few women who have the cominbation of intelligence and the laid back attitude that I like. I don't do drama. At all. There are TONS of things I can accept in a relationship. Drama isn't one of them. I'm open to different appearances when it comes to women, don't care one bit how much money she has, and am not picky about age.

Here's a good point to admit I've never quite understood all the rigarmarole that people put themselves through with dating. If I see someone I'm attracted to, I approach her. If she still seems like a decent person after we talk, I'll ask her out. Once the process becomes more complex than that, I get uncomfortable, and tend to be turned off.

Also, I have no problem admitting I haven't had sex in the past two-and-a-half years. I do think women sometimes see men as sex crazed lunatics who just want action. More often that not, it's not true.

So, I guess what I'm saying here is the state of being single is rarely cut and dried.

Finally, I'll say that women have it much easier in the *early* stages of dating. Just sit around and look cute. Maybe put in a little effort and chat to the guy sitting next to you. Ain't that tough, or at least compared to what guys are expected to do. After that, the playing field levels, and dating/relationships become very much a two-way street.

Awesome post, thanks man.

[Love'sReject]

Depends on your definition of single. I am single, but I don't have any problem getting dates, most of them continuing over some length of time.

The reason you don't is a combination of you lacking confidence while having unrealistic expectations.

For the purpose of the thread, let's include single but dating.

Nope, it's genetics at fault here, really. I'm surprised the short guy hasn't died off as a subhuman species by now..

[MehicanFather]

Who would we laugh at if they did?

[smackie9]

I did some google search and women have claimed to have caught their little boys "going to town" at a very early age.

[smackie9]

For the purpose of the thread, let's include single but dating.

Nope, it's genetics at fault here, really. I'm surprised the short guy hasn't died off as a subhuman species by now..

No I think it's a lack of hormones...you a unic?

[Love'sReject]

No, I am not a eunuch although perhaps I lack testosterone.

[searock]

Nope, it's genetics at fault here, really. I'm surprised the short guy hasn't died off as a subhuman species by now..

Just so you know: that friend of mine that was a virgin until 23 and then got a 25 years old girlfriend, is a short guy.

[Love'sReject]

OK, now you're just writing fairy tales...A short 23 year old virgin...It's like The Little Engine That Could, except even less plausible. Although you said he worked out? Besides, how short? Under 5'6?