Well, today marks exactly one year since my divorce was finalized—and the start of my thirteenth month of solitude. To spite the women who chime in on every thread like this asking, «Does nobody want you?» I’ll answer: someone does. But the caliber of women available simply doesn't satisfy me. I’ve been with over ten different women this past year—specifically, women with whom I shared an intimate connection. Four or five of them were women I met through dating apps. They were all good women—intelligent and attractive. But… I’m done with problems. Done with high-maintenance relationships. Done with having to make decisions for someone else, or having to shoulder other people's burdens. I suppose I’m just burnt out. All I want now is a quiet, happy life—not all this drama.

1. Women with children. I’ve tried dating women with kids three times now, and honestly, I just don't get the appeal. Why bother? Why should I have to deal with someone else's child's problems? There’s been a recent trend of people insisting that «you shouldn't hit children,» yet I’ve noticed that none of the women I dated were actually *disciplining* their kids. I’m not advocating for corporal punishment, but when your child throws a tantrum in the middle of the street—screaming and acting out with total impunity while the entire neighborhood watches on like it’s a movie—you really need to stop and ask yourself where you went wrong as a parent. I have absolutely no desire to take on the responsibility of raising someone else's child.

2. Every woman I’ve met has had financial issues—mortgages, outstanding loans, dead-end jobs they hate. Starting a relationship—let alone having a child—with a woman who’s saddled with 12 million in debt just doesn't seem like a smart move. What happens when she goes on maternity leave? Who’s going to be left holding the bag for that debt?

3. Appearance. I’m no «alpha male,» and I’m certainly no male model. I’m just an average guy—no receding hairline, a couple of dental implants and crowns, and I try my best to keep my weight in check. I’ve certainly seen it all: sagging breasts, cellulite, missing teeth, smoke-stained stumps. This is just a small fraction of the issues facing women over 30. One could dwell on this topic endlessly, but nowadays you can get dental work done in just about any basement; just take another look at your budget—skip the latest iPhone release, quit puffing on your IQOS for a couple of months, and you’ll find the funds.

I am not some bitter adherent of the men's rights movement. I don't demand anything more than what I myself am capable of giving. I have no desire to solve other people's problems, nor do I wish to create any myself. After a year of dating, I see no point in entering into a relationship with modern women. That ship has sailed for me. To the men who found the strength to raise another man's children—I shake your hand; I couldn't do it—you are better men than I am. As for domestic life, I’ve simplified it for myself as much as possible: a washer-dryer combo, a dishwasher, a robot vacuum, a water heater, a fresh-water filter… and I do all the cooking myself.

And now, the top list of cringe-worthy dates:

1. I met up with a woman. I won't deny it—she was beautiful: 32 years old, gorgeous hair. During the date, over a cup of coffee, she informed me that she has four children, one of whom is being raised by her ex. They live in a two-room apartment—and to top it off, her mother lives in the other room. When I asked how she envisioned our relationship, she replied: «You’ll move in with us, and I’ll have a baby for you.» I declined.

2. I met a woman on Pure specifically for sex. She speaks several languages ​​and has traveled halfway around the world. During sex, she slapped me across the face—apparently, that’s her fetish. She’s 40+, but she isn't looking for a relationship; she’s perfectly happy on her own, and finding sex isn't a problem for her.

3. Most women are looking for a guy who doesn't pay child support—even though they have children themselves—and on top of that, they declare right there on the date that they don't plan on having any more kids. When I ask them, «So, what’s the upside of this kind of relationship for *me*?» they can never come up with an answer.

What is this post about? I don't know. People say that a man's «prime age» begins after 30, but it certainly doesn't feel that way to me. All the childless women seem to have been snapped up already; mostly, what’s left are the unwanted or «high-maintenance» ones. I guess the only option left is to wait until I hit 40+, when their kids will have grown up and started families of their own? How do you guys manage out there—the single, childless guys aged 35+? I’ve only just embarked on this path myself.