Is dating harder for men 2023?

Is Dating Harder for Men in 2023? The Changing Dynamics

The Shifting Landscape of Dating in 2023

Well, the dating game has definitely evolved over the years, and many people are asking if it's harder for men to date in 2023. Honestly, it’s a tough question to answer because dating is so personal and varies depending on who you talk to. But I think it’s safe to say that men are facing new challenges when it comes to dating—especially with all the changes in technology, societal expectations, and shifting gender roles.

If you’ve been swiping on dating apps or trying to make connections in real life, you’ve probably noticed things aren’t as straightforward as they used to be. It feels like the dating world has become more complicated. But why? Let’s dig into it.

The Influence of Dating Apps: Easier or Harder?

The Swipe Culture: Instant Gratification vs. Real Connection

Honestly, dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have made things both easier and more difficult for men. On the one hand, these apps provide access to a large pool of potential matches, which is great for meeting people you wouldn’t run into in your daily life. But here’s the thing: with all those options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or like you’re just another profile to scroll past.

I was chatting with my friend Mark the other day about this, and he mentioned how frustrating it is when he sends messages on apps, but most of the time, they go unanswered. It’s not that he’s unattractive, but there’s a real sense of competition. The pressure to stand out among so many profiles can make it feel like dating is harder. In 2023, it’s not just about showing interest anymore; it’s about figuring out how to be different in an ocean of people doing the exact same thing.

Ghosting and Its Impact on Men

Another tough reality of dating apps is ghosting, which seems to be way more common these days. It’s heartbreaking for both men and women, but when it happens to men, it feels like the ultimate rejection. And let’s be honest: men are still socialized to be the ones who approach and make the first move, so when that doesn’t lead anywhere, it can be tough on their confidence. I’ve seen friends, including Mike, who felt rejected and unsure about how to handle these situations. Ghosting can leave people feeling invisible, which doesn’t exactly boost anyone’s dating morale.

Societal Expectations and the Pressure on Men

Gender Roles: Are Men Expected to Always Lead?

Honestly, sometimes I feel like the pressure on men to “make the first move” can be exhausting. There’s this old-school belief that men should always initiate things—whether it’s asking someone out, planning dates, or even paying for meals. But in 2023, these expectations are being questioned more than ever.

I remember a conversation I had with my brother last month, and he was telling me how he felt frustrated by these outdated expectations. He said, "Why do I always have to make the first move? Why can’t she make the effort too?" And it’s a valid point. Many men today feel like they’re constantly on display, having to show their worth before they even get to know someone. It’s tiring to live up to the “alpha male” standard, especially when the other side isn't playing by the same rules.

The Rise of Equal Expectations in Modern Relationships

That being said, there’s also a shift towards more equality in dating. More women are taking the initiative to approach men and take charge in relationships, which is great! But even with these changes, the transition hasn’t been seamless. Men are still adjusting to this shift in dynamics, and for some, it’s hard to let go of old habits. It can feel like there’s a fine line between being confident and coming off as overbearing. A conversation with my friend Tom the other day really stuck with me. He said he didn’t know whether to be assertive or play it cool when trying to impress someone, and honestly, I get it. There’s confusion on both sides.

The Importance of Emotional Availability

Vulnerability: A Challenge for Men in 2023?

One area that has become particularly tricky for men is emotional availability. Society has long told men to "man up," to hide their emotions, and to avoid being vulnerable. But in 2023, many people (especially younger generations) are beginning to value emotional depth in relationships more than ever. And here’s the rub: many men, having been taught not to open up, are now struggling to meet this demand for vulnerability.

I’ve had conversations with a few of my guy friends, and they’ve shared how hard it is to feel comfortable expressing emotions in a relationship. It's like they want to connect emotionally, but they’ve been conditioned to keep things to themselves. This barrier can make dating feel even more challenging because emotional connection is such a key factor in modern relationships.

Are Men Facing More Rejection Than Ever?

Navigating the Rise of "Standards" and "Dealbreakers"

In 2023, the bar seems to be higher than ever, and that includes expectations in the dating world. Both men and women have a list of “dealbreakers” that can make or break a relationship. For men, this can feel like a lot of pressure to live up to certain standards—whether it’s financial stability, physical appearance, or emotional intelligence.

My buddy Alex shared his experience recently, where he felt like every date he went on had a hidden agenda of what he "should" be. He joked about it, saying, “It feels like I’m expected to be perfect, but they don’t have to be.” And to some extent, he’s right. The rise of social media and influencer culture has created a new set of standards that can make dating feel more like a performance than an authentic connection.

Conclusion: Is Dating Really Harder for Men in 2023?

So, is dating harder for men in 2023? Honestly, it’s complicated. On one hand, technology and shifting gender roles have made dating more challenging for men—there’s more pressure to stand out, be emotionally available, and constantly "perform" in a world that sets increasingly high standards. On the other hand, the shift towards more equal expectations and openness in relationships can help create more balanced dynamics.

What’s clear is that dating in 2023 is different. It’s no longer just about following the same old rules. Men, like everyone else, are adapting to a new reality. It’s a learning process, but as society changes, so do the ways we approach relationships. Whether it’s harder or easier depends largely on how you navigate these new waters.

What do you think? Do you feel that dating is harder for men today? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.