Dating is tough! It would be way easier for many of us if romance was like what we see in the movies. But real-life relationships rarely work like they do on the silver screen. Doubt. Anxiety. Fear. Rejection. That’s just the tip of the emotional iceberg. Especially in modern times.

Reddit users took to a viral thread on r/AskMen to share what they’ve personally experienced to be the hardest parts of dating as men. We’ve collected their most powerful and honest insights to give you a glimpse into how brutal things can get. Scroll down to see for yourselves, Pandas.

#1

How do I show I'm interested without being a creep?

Can I read her signals accurately?

Image credits: Strength-Certain

#2

The most apt analogy I've heard is that if quality partners are like fresh drinking water, men live in a desert and women live in a swamp. It's a struggle for both, but it's not the same struggle.

Image credits: PolyThrowaway524

#3

I can’t speak for the majority. But ever since I stepped foot out of college, dating has become sort of…transactional.

Through non-work social/networking/private events, they say I look like a “one-night” kind of guy.

Though work events, I always sense that they just wanna use me for my network.

However, the best dating experiences I’ve had were from girls I met at volunteering, exercise groups, or when I’m abroad. It’s just more wholesome to meet people without introducing yourself as “XYZ from XYZ industry.” They judge you as who you are without the added spice.

Image credits: anon

Forbes reports that nearly a third of adults in the United States have used a dating site or app. Meanwhile, most people feel quite optimistic about their dating lives.

According to a Pew Research study from 2023, 36% of respondents felt somewhat positively about dating, 24% felt very positively, and only 4% felt very negatively.

#4

The hardest part about dating as a man, is that you're never good enough.

Image credits: Crusty_Dingleberries

#5

The hardest part of dating as a man (who isn't super duper model-tier hot) is keeping the woman on board long enough that she gets to see your charm, and humor and positive points.

Personality DOES count, but it's a moot point when most women will ghost or dismiss you LONG before you get a chance to show what a charismatic, fun person you can be.

Image credits: TheEmperor0fNothing

#6

Walking on egg shells for miles to reach a person who 9 times out of 10 isn’t “good” themselves. Mehhhh.

Image credits: thelostnewb

Even though dating apps have exploded in popularity in recent years, they are far from perfect. For one, they demand a very different way of communication compared to asking someone out in real life.

On top of that, it’s often hard to fully understand what someone’s character and behavior are like online. We tend to present idealized versions of ourselves on the internet. And dating apps are no different. What you’re seeing is a highly curated version of the person.

#7

A. Because if you met the girl online you are literally competing with probably dozens of other guys for her attention.

B. You always have to pay.

B doesn't sound that bad on the surface. But it adds up and sometimes starts to feel as though we are being taken for granted.

It feels like we are escorting this beautiful princess around, which everyone loves and adores. Everyone is fawning over her, if you make one mistake she's gone and on to the next one.

You're just some chump who happens to have the credit card tonight which is paying for everything. Even the silly little add ons she orders and doesn't eat. (*"Did you really have to order that appetizer? You didn't even eat it?"*)

C. You'll spend the whole night talking about her and her problems.

Nobody cares how you feel. Nobody wants to hear about your day or your life. You're there to keep the girl entertained. And if you can't do that, then there are ten guys waiting on her phone to take her out at any moment.

Image credits: Antique_Soil9507

#8

For men it's the **absence of opportunity on dating apps:**

* The staggering lack of matches
* The occasional match that goes unreplied
* The conversation that evaporates after saying hi
* The "maybe-date" that never materializes

It's also the **fear of social alienation or punishment in real life** as the internet has socialized young men to view approaching women as harmful or annoying (a courting faux-paus).

This puts men into a losing position as they don't approach and are left unapproached — essentially a ship sailing alone afraid to hail other ships and ignored by those who sail around them.

Image credits: mdgaspar

#9

This is true. I saw myself as a "catch" because I owned my own place, had a masters, and was making high 5 figures, and took care of myself and still couldn't date anyone.

Ironically now that I'm older and they are older the tables have turned cause I'm "stable", but I've been stable, what the f**k changed?

Image credits: 13inchmushroommaker

Moreover, online dating tends to create a deep sense of FOMO (fear of missing out). Even if you match with a great person and have a genuinely fun date, there’s always a nagging thought at the back of your mind: what if you can do better?

Instead of committing to a good relationship, some people give in to the FOMO. They’re perpetually on the lookout for someone better and better. All the while, they’re moving on from truly quality people while their standards keep rising.

#10

How difficult dating is for an individual man depends on a many factors. When people talk about dating being harder for men than women, they’re mostly referring to men aged 18-29. This demographic of men have trouble finding partners because there are simply fewer available women in the same age range. There is already around a 5% surplus of men in the 18-29 demographic of most western countries, plus a significant number of women in this bracket are either dating men over 30 or have no desire to date. So a big part of it is the numbers game not being in young men’s favour.

Another big issue is declining social capital, both younger men and women have far smaller social circles than previous generations. This puts them in the position of having to date people outside their circles, which is part of why online dating and bars/restaurants have become the most common ways couples meet now. This is hard for women because they’re forced to date strangers, they’re taking a much bigger risk than men in regards to their safety. However, it’s bad for men because physical appearance is far more important in these methods of dating.

There is a perception that women aren’t visual creatures when it comes to attraction, but this isn’t accurate. The research seems to suggest that for women, physical attractiveness is important, but they need additional context to know if they are truly interested in a guy, I.e. personality, interests etc. The problem is, in online dating you can’t really convey this context through a profile, so women can only filter by looks. Whereas, they may have been more inclined to give a less physically attractive guy a shot if they met him through friends/family or in a setting where they get to know him first. I think this is evident by the number of average or even below average guys that had no trouble getting married in previous generations.

There is also a massive gender imbalance in both online dating and social spaces like bars/clubs. This exacerbates the problem, as some women have so many options they end up with choice paralysis. They struggle to commit because they have the perception that there’s always a better/more compatible guy out there.

Ultimately, dating has become worse for both men and women, people are now forced to date total strangers, which is deeply unnatural for humans. Though I think it’s fair to say it’s harder for men on average. You could look at it as an analogy of being in a race, would you rather be in the race but losing, or would you rather not be able to get off the starting line?

Image credits: failingupwards4ever

#11

The feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness that come from being ignored by women all your life and or being treated like your're a horrible monster just because you exist. I personally think that both men and women have it hard, but for different reasons and neither side is willing to acknowledge any kind of fault in their own behavior, but would rather put all the blame on the other side. .

Image credits: Leonardodapunchy

#12

The constant rejection. Get rejected 1000 times and you get more than a little gunshy. The worst is when they assume it must be a joke. Because you have to be joking if you think she might be interested.

Image credits: rhb4n8

As we’ve covered previously on Bored Panda, some of the most attractive traits that people can have include being kind and loving and having a good sense of humor.

The latter indicates that someone is smart, creative, and socially aware, which are great attributes for a potential mate to have.

What do you personally think are the biggest challenges for anyone dating in the modern world, dear Pandas? Have you ever run into any difficulties yourselves? What are your thoughts about online vs traditional dating? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#13

Nobody wants to date someone who classify themselves as good X for the same reason you don't say "I'm not racist": actions speak louder than words, and if you have to vocally affirm you're not a racist or a good guy, then maybe you're not so much those things in the first place.

To me the hardest part about dating as a guy is to make others confortable. There is an inherent display of power at play with men, and showing that you are in fact a gentle giant is hard in the beginning can be hard, especially if the relationship is new.

#14

But to answer your question.

Dating is so much harder for men

- men are generally expected to do the 'pursuit' have a much larger risk of rejection.

- men have way more pressure to contribute to the relationship (paying, being romantic etc) where as women can get away with far less.

- women are taught from birth to respect themselves. Men are taught to respect women. Now both of these are good things , but it doesn't go the other way. Men are expected to put up with more bad treatment than women

- statistics show that women think 80% of men are below average in looks. Not mathematically possible. The same isn't true with the genders reversed.

Image credits: anon

#15

You have to both impress and be yourself, but if being yourself isnt impressive you wont get anything started, and if being impressive isnt being yourself, you may get things off the ground, but it will be unsustainable and fail in the future.

#16

Having to build yourself up. Having to take all the risks and approach, initiate conversation, plan dates, risk looking foolish, being rejected, having to work to get a couple of dates lined up while she just has guys endlessly asking her out all the time.

Women's value she is born with. She just has to be. Be relatively pretty, don't be fat. Be sweet and feminine. That's all you have to be. Men have to get financially stable, get assets, get riz, confidence, workout to put on some muscle, be charming.

More men are lonely, meaning 100% alone. More women have attention, dates, suitors, sex anytime they want, they just may not be with the specific man they want but they don't have to be alone if they don't want to be.

All the marriage risks are on men. If there is a divorce the man almost always has to pay the woman alimony. Continue working to pay for her existence. Courts almost always take the kids from the men and give them to the women and make him pay her. 50/50 joint custody is not the norm. Most states are "no fault" meaning she can cheat, she can just get bored one day and then take half his stuff, take the kids and get alimony. Divorce laws really should have it to where no men legally join that union.

Image credits: Ichbin99nichtzuHause

#17

Meeting single women. Where can you meet them without being shamed and lambasted? Yet you're a loser if you can't meet them.


If women are interested, they'll "drop hints" like blinking and breathing. If you approach and she doesn't like you, then you're "creepy and weird".


If she likes you and you don't approach, then you're "not a real man" and it's your loss. You're expected to initiate everything from the first conversation to physical intimacy but you're "creepy and weird" if you find women sexually and romantically attractive. 

Image credits: Kentucky_Supreme

#18

> My female friend was saying that dating as a woman is the hardest thing in the world because you can never find a good guy.

It's hard to find a gal at all... good or bad, lol. I feel romantically/sexually invisible to women. I get way more attention from gay/bi men and that's saying a lot considering how much smaller potion of the population they make up.

Not that I'm looking right now, but it's not like I'm turning anyone down either. I haven't had a woman besides my SO obviously interested in me in 14 years.

#19

It's the amount of competition. Back in college before all the online dating apps, you were just essentially competing with other dudes in that general area at that time. Now, you're competing with every male within your specific age range within a 50 mile radius or more.

Also, your profile needs to be exciting and interesting enough. When I first started online dating before I was married, you just needed a couple photos. Now 10 years later and divorced, I need a picture of me on a mountain top. A picture of me, but not too close, but not too far away. I need a picture of me with friends, but not too many friends. And I need a candid photo of doing something outside.

I luckily met my current GF after using Hinge for a couple weeks, but I absolutely hated the experience.

Image credits: ARocHT11

#20

You have to initiate everything.

Unsure if she’s being nice or friendly? That’s on you to figure out :)))))))))))))).

#21

Can sum it up in a conversation I read in a forum outside of reddit. Someone asks "Should a guy bring flowers on a first date?"

Most responses were ambient, just stating a preference but a fair few read like this:

1: "Ugh, flowers, tells me the guy is a total cheeseball and now I've got to carry flowers around all evening."
2: "If a guy doesn't bring flowers on a first date it tells me he's trash and has no class."

Both examples, guy is getting cussed as if he's a problem. Caught between being cheesy or rubbish. Not even a thought of looking within to see if they are the problem for getting bent out of shape about the presence (or lack thereof) of flowers.

#22

The best way to go through dating is to not give a s**t what women think. The moment you become fearless is the moment you win.

I know a guy here locally that lives by this mantra, and he has all that he can handle, with no stress.

Think Jerry Seinfeld when his girlfriend broke up with him.

#23

You are supposed to know which woman is interested in you and to approach her while simultaneously being told by women never to approach them under any circumstances. If you do approach them and it's unwanted, then you're an entitled creep. The risk isn't worth the reward.

#24

I've always found it annoying that essentially ZERO women ask guys out. That ish is a lot more common in TV and other entertainment, but I personally have only heard of it twice in my life. They don't have to put forth any effort.

#25

You always have to perform. The times when your confidence is low, you won’t be able to date. You can’t doubt yourself openly, or be open about any insecurities or vulnerabilities. Even though a lot of these things are organic human experiences, women don’t want a partner who displays them.

Also, if you don’t put in initiative, and “put yourself out there”, your chances are pretty low unless you’re a hotshot.

Lastly, you’re expected to be sure about somebody even in the earliest stages (or at least act that way), when a girl can be “unsure about you” and act that way.

#26

The hardest part as a young man was that following the advice and literal statements from women on what they want in a dating partner turns you into a "Nice Guy".

You have to just know that there is a mile long list of other requirements unstated by her that she may not even be consciously aware of, like you need to seriously hit the gym for those impressive gains, and always be hustling for more green.

#27

After a while it feels like going hat in hand asking for money trying to get a damn date for Saturday night.

I mean if a female friend approached me and asked me to set her up with a 5’11” 160 pound single guy who likes to bike, rollerblade and has a slight British accent and is studying physics, my reply would be - I can do that but can probably only get 4 guys that match this description exactly and it’s gonna take me about 20 minutes.

Whereas you ask a female friend if she has any single friends that would be interested in a guy like me, I get a quick reply of - no.

Image credits: CarlJustCarl

#28

Women who like bread-crumbing and only provide one line dead end responses to thoughtful conversation starters. The entitlement that comes with the “entertain and impress me,” mentality that some women have all while contributing little to nothing to the interaction. That said, the fact of the matter is dating is not the goal. You shouldn’t want or expect to have meaningful interactions with most people. The goal of dating is to find someone who accepts and love’s you for who are and gives you permission to exist just as you are. At least it is for me anyway. Whether you find yourself more often f*ck-zoned or friend-zoned this is probably a difficult proposition regardless of gender.

Image credits: Shafiqur1205

#29

Women have it very easy. I make over over 500k as a physician. Before I met my wife, I dated countless women who thought my income was THE standard. These are women who worked at Walgreens, waitresses, school teachers, and other below average jobs.

Like s**t 500k a year is 0.1% income. Barely 10% of men even make 100k a year. Unrealistic expectations, and then I was called shallow for only dating skinny women without children (10% of the female population ages 18-29).

Image credits: Cadmaster2021

#30

The perspective difference between dating for men and women can be summarized as such:


For women, the struggle is to find a **good** man to date. For men, the struggle is to find **any** woman to date.


Women are extremely quick to dismiss men in this day and age, to the point that it feels like their real goal is just to find some excuse to do so.


My personal belief is that this is due to the dynamic created by a combination of two things:

1. Young women today have been told that they can "have it all", regardless of the truth of that statement. 2. Online dating apps reinforce the idea that there is always another, better dating option. This extremely short-sighted dating landscape undermines the fact that healthy, long-term relationships aren't found, they are built. 

Image credits: Ryjiek

#31

Constant rejection.

I have seen female friends cry for hours over the fact that one guy said no when they asked him out, and how awful it was and how guys could never understand how they feel. Lady, guys get rejected all the time, we know how it feels.

#32

Not all women are impressed by the knowledge that I know and have the same interests. Especially in the Bible belt. I am a loving and caring partner. Most good guys have certain hobbies that they deep dove into. And a good bit of women will want him to get rid of the majority of it or put it in the shed or storage. It can be hard to talk about our hobbies because a lot of women would consider it childish if we are nerds. I have told women my interests just to try to make friends and they ghost me.

And trying to convince a woman you are not her ex half the time can be exhausting. But not all women are like that.

#33

What’s hard about dating as a man is that women are incredibly choosy and impossible to satisfy.

What’s hard about dating as a *woman* is that… well, it’s also that women are incredibly choosy and impossible to satisfy.

#34

Being denied any support or compassion whatsoever and somehow being expected to be confident. THEN I might get the support and compassion I don’t need as much anymore.

#35

After agreeing to a date, it's up to the man to do 100% of the planning.

Even after multiple dates with the same woman, the man is generally expected to be the social planner. It's exhausting and expensive since most women still don't think they should pay for anything.

#36

I think that dating as a woman is like having Netflix and wanting to watch a good movie among a lot of trash movies and shows, and dating as a man is like wanting to watch a good movie, but only having over-the-air television networks.

#37

It's funny when you hear women saying they can't find a good guy and as a guy you're like "you mean you can actually find *anyone* at all?" Women go through their own struggles and I'm not trying to downplay that, but I don't think most of them understand what it's like when you have not options because it seems like no one wants you in the first place.

That's lonely af and destroys your self esteem. Women might complain that they can't find a good dude, but at least there are guys pursuing them. There's a degree of self worth there, where as guys can feel like they have no worth.

The thing too is that women have that inherit self worth because they're women. They don't have to make themselves more interesting or atleast not until they get older. The most given advice on this sub for dating is that we need to improve ourselves and make ourselves more desirable to women. We need to workout, build our careers, acquire hobbies and skills, get out of your comfort zone and learn how to communicate/approach. What do most women need to do? Mostly to look pretty and show up, don't be an a*****e and you're good.

There's a reason why there's a growing number of guys just walking away from the dating scene entirely. All that effort and upending your life just to be told you're a good person, you're just not sexy enough.

I think the reason a lot (not all) of older single women end up bitter and angry is because they are now experiencing what it's like to be a man in dating. Especially concerning older men still being attracted to younger women.

Again, not disparaging women, they might be able to get a lot of dates, but a relationship is another story. A lot of women struggle to actually find a guy that's not just trying to pump and dump. I'm just saying that imo I would prefer to be in the position that women are in vs what guys have to go through. I'm fairly successful when I put in the effort, but that s**t can be exhausting at times.

#38

I’d say back in the day be the most charming, funny or best match in the room to compete for some of us harder then others but, you can find someone.

Today’s dating swipe left or right have been tweaked to the dopamine fiend mind of a gamer. Everything has been tweaked to almost a gambling like formula, you will be judged immediatly by a few pictures and two sentences as that combined value of your worth and worst of all competing with every other single (or not) man in the city. Now them is some tough odds.

And if you like me dating way above your pay grade, you will be so f*****g aware of others and how aware they are of it, you can’t even enjoy it.
I was like a dog chasing a car, the f**k was I gonna do with it when I got it? I was ill equipped to deal.

#39

Lol her saying “never find a good guy” implies she’s meeting men but they don’t meet HER standards.

Have her create a tinder account and use pictures of an average guy. Then challenge her to get 1 date. She will realize how easy she has it within a week.

#40

The hardest part about dating as a man is women like your friend.