He’s Still Single?

If you're online dating, chances are that age will factor into whether or not you'll go out on a date with a particular person. Do you draw the limit at someone who's within five years of you, or are you more open to date people much older or younger?

Age has a stigma when it comes to dating, mostly for women but also for men.

I think the question of age is complicated by marital history. If you meet a man who's forty-three and never been married, do you flinch? Do you wonder what's wrong with him, why he hasn't settled down before this? Shouldn't he at least be divorced? Before you go running for the hills, thinking he's afraid to commit, consider these scenarios:

He's been building his career. Steve Harvey's dating books focus on the male ego, specifically his drive to work hard, establish himself professionally, and then worry about finding a wife and kids. So if your guy has spent the last several years building his business, traveling to close sales, or otherwise keeping himself out of dating commission, it's likely for a good reason.

He knows what he wants. When a man is in his twenties, he's testing the waters and seeing what different women are like. As he gets older and has more experiences, his preferences develop and he's not just looking for the supermodel, but for someone with substance and maturity. (If he's still trolling for twenty-something models, then run!)

He can communicate it. There's a big difference between a twenty-something and forty-something guy in terms of his ability to talk through issues and problems. Likely he's had a few hard lessons along the way that he doesn't want to repeat, including former relationships. If he's open and willing to talk through his emotions or ask about your needs, then he's a keeper.

He's independent. If a man is in his forties and still living with his parents, then forget this next part and run for the hills! But trust me when I say, there's a big difference when you walk into the home of a man who's twenty-six and living with three roommates compared to a man who has his own place, a car, and some money saved up.

He no longer wants to play the field. When a man is younger, he often dates more than one woman at a time, or moves quickly from one relationship to the next. It's more of a game, and he's trying to conquer. (This isn't true for all men, but a lot of them don't want to settle down quickly.) If he's still playing games into his forties, then forget him, but likely he's more sincere. So give him a chance.