Body Image and Age Bias Hurt Women’s Confidence in Dating

Rebecca smiled as Paul approached her table. They’d matched on a dating app three days earlier. His profile had caught her eye — kind eyes, a warm smile, and a love for hiking, just like hers.

Conversation started easily. They laughed over shared tastes in music, swapped Thai food recommendations, and were both reading the same bestseller. But when she mentioned her daughter — now in college — something shifted.

“You have a daughter in college?” he asked, eyebrows lifting.

“Yes, she’s studying engineering,” Rebecca said, proud.

His smile stayed, but the energy changed. His questions grew shorter. By the time the coffee cups were empty, the warmth had cooled.

“I’ll text you,” he said with a polite nod.

She knew he wouldn’t.

Later, facing her bathroom mirror, she pulled at the skin around her waist.

“No second date because of this?” she murmured. “Men my age want someone who still looks thirty.”

She turned sideways, examining her reflection. “Maybe if I’d worn something more flattering… looked younger…”

She picked up her phone. Still no message.