Okay, so background information. I’m 32, I have two degrees, my own place, and am relatively independent. I’m pretty outgoing and feel like I’m a pretty chill person to hang out with and get to know. I’m not impressed by money or powerful jobs and care more about if they can make me laugh. I’ve been single for a couple years. I took a break from dating while I was getting a second degree and have recently started dating again. Needless to say it hasn’t been going well. I’ve gotten ghosted numerous times, told “I’m just not ready for something serious” after weeks of being told they’re ready to settle down, and stood up.

The other day, I was feeling really frustrated about the entire dating situation and was venting to a friend. She said that it is because I am too independent. That guys want someone who needs them, someone they have to take care of. A successful, independent woman is intimidating to them. Is my friend right or is there something else going on here?

I don’t want her to be right. I want men today to be a little more “woke” than that. I want to believe it’s something else. Maybe just bad luck or not meeting the right men? I’m not asking for much. Just a nice person, someone I’m mildly attracted to, who can support themselves and doesn’t live in their mom’s basement.