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Woman Refuses To Go Through Raising Kids Again, Single Dads On Dating App Get Defensive
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Woman Refuses To Go Through Raising Kids Again, Single Dads On Dating App Get Defensive

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Some people believe that dating as a single parent is just too complicated. And it’s true – it can be. However, as kids grow up and become more and more independent, the parents might find themselves with more time on their hands and maybe even a newfound curiosity to jump back into the dating pool.

This redditor only decided to jump in after her adult kids had a “come to Jesus” talk with her. They believed that their mother was spending too much time alone, so they encouraged her to start dating again; and she did. But despite being a single mom herself, she swore she wouldn’t date single dads.

If you’re wondering why the OP took such a stance regarding dating, scroll down to find her story in detail below, where you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with an award-winning relationship intelligence expert, Railey Molinario, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.

Single parents of all ages might find themselves interested in dating again

Image credits: YuriArcursPeopleimages / Envato (not the actual photo)

This mom of two decided to start dating again but despite being a single parent herself, she swore off any single dads out there

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Image credits: prostooleh / Freepik (not the actual photo)

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Image credits: AnnaStills / Envato (not the actual photo)

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Image credits: ebelodedova / Envato (not the actual photo)

Image credits: Professional-Pace416

Single parents might be hesitant to go back to dating for numerous reasons

There are many reasons why single parents might be hesitant to get back into the dating world; for instance, having to make sure there are no scheduling conflicts between date nights and soccer tournaments or having to cancel movie nights because of yet another virus the little one brought back from kindergarten. Needless to say, it can get pretty tiresome.

Discussing dating as a single parent, relationship intelligence expert Railey Molinario, too, noted that it can become quite a task. “It often requires balancing multiple responsibilities and making decisions with the children’s well-being in mind,” she pointed out in a recent interview with Bored Panda. “A single parent may face unique scheduling constraints, have less flexibility, and prioritize stability over spontaneity.”

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Knowing just how challenging parenthood—and dating as a single parent—can be, single moms and dads might choose not to double the trouble and look for partners without kids. “Many single parents hesitate to date others with children because parenting demands so much time, energy, and attention. They may recognize that adding another set of children into the mix could overcomplicate things, especially if they’re navigating co-parenting arrangements or limited availability,” Molinario said.

“Some people may want to keep their roles as parents and partners more separate, looking for a relationship that feels like a break from parenting instead of an extension of it,” the expert added. “This hesitation is usually a sign of self-awareness, where individuals understand what they need to feel fulfilled in both their family and romantic lives.”

“For single parents, the key is finding someone who respects their journey, shares their values, and can integrate into their life smoothly,” expert says

Image credits: prostooleh / Freepik (not the actual photo)

According to Molinario, childfree adults may have more freedom in terms of time, energy, and resources for dating; however, age and parental status don’t limit someone’s chances of finding a fulfilling relationship. Moreover, she believes that many people find greater clarity and confidence in their 40s and beyond, which can make dating even more rewarding.

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“For single parents, the key is finding someone who respects their journey, shares their values, and can integrate into their life smoothly. While it may take patience, there are plenty of potential partners who value the life experience and wisdom single parents bring to a relationship,” the expert noted.

With or without children, it’s important for people to think long and hard about what they (don’t) want from a partner or the relationship. While she didn’t expand much on what she wanted in a potential partner, the OP made it pretty clear on what she didn’t, and that was a single dad. However, some of them tried approaching her nevertheless.

“Preferences in dating are deeply personal and shaped by our life experiences, needs, and boundaries. Pushing someone to date against their values can lead to misalignment,” Molinario pointed out. “With relationship intelligence, people honor not only their own preferences but also others’ autonomy and boundaries. True compatibility comes from respecting each other’s needs without forcing change—each person deserves to feel accepted as they are.”

Some people believe that the woman was in no way a jerk for knowing who she wanted and didn’t want to date

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Others, however, thought she was being hypocritical

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Miglė Miliūtė

Miglė Miliūtė

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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A writer here at Bored Panda, I am a lover of good music, good food, and good company, which makes food-related topics and feel-good stories my favorite ones to cover. Passionate about traveling and concerts, I constantly seek occasions to visit places yet personally unexplored. I also enjoy spending free time outdoors, trying out different sports—even if I don’t look too graceful at it—or socializing over a cup of coffee.

Read less »
Miglė Miliūtė

Miglė Miliūtė

Writer, BoredPanda staff

A writer here at Bored Panda, I am a lover of good music, good food, and good company, which makes food-related topics and feel-good stories my favorite ones to cover. Passionate about traveling and concerts, I constantly seek occasions to visit places yet personally unexplored. I also enjoy spending free time outdoors, trying out different sports—even if I don’t look too graceful at it—or socializing over a cup of coffee.

Mindaugas Balčiauskas

Mindaugas Balčiauskas

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

Read less »

Mindaugas Balčiauskas

Mindaugas Balčiauskas

Author, BoredPanda staff

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

Do you agree with the perspective of single moms in their 40s not dating dads?
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Ben Aziza
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is she a hypocrite if she is asking for someone in the same situation as her NOW? A hypocrite would be "I have kids but YOU can't have kids" These guys are too low IQ.

Bob Brooce
Community Member
4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe low IQ, but I think it's more likely that they're immature and/or think the world owes them something. Or perhaps they're sure they're god's gift to women and she'd be lucky to have them despite the kids. Its definitely an emotional issue, and they're obviously losers if they're angry that any specific woman isn't interested because of their situation. Do they get upset if somebody wants to buy a sedan and isn't interested in buying the truck they want to sell? She posted a want ad and they don't have what she's looking for. Its just *so* sad.

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Bartlet for world domination
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As the YTAs show, most people don't read. My dating profile starts and ends with a very specific rule, and I still get propositioned on exactly that. A lot.

Space Invader
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe they should create a dating app where there are no pictures initially and the only thing to go with at first is the profile. Then again, people probably still wouldn't read it...

Load More Replies...
Stacy s
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why even put those few YTAs at the end of each of these? If anything, they're the minority, and could be mentioned first. Like the articles on here are set up to leave a bad taste in your mouth when you're done.

Space Invader
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think of those as a "reality check" at the end to prepare readers once more for the real world - where common sense is still a rare and valuable resource.

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
Ben Aziza
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is she a hypocrite if she is asking for someone in the same situation as her NOW? A hypocrite would be "I have kids but YOU can't have kids" These guys are too low IQ.

Bob Brooce
Community Member
4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe low IQ, but I think it's more likely that they're immature and/or think the world owes them something. Or perhaps they're sure they're god's gift to women and she'd be lucky to have them despite the kids. Its definitely an emotional issue, and they're obviously losers if they're angry that any specific woman isn't interested because of their situation. Do they get upset if somebody wants to buy a sedan and isn't interested in buying the truck they want to sell? She posted a want ad and they don't have what she's looking for. Its just *so* sad.

Load More Replies...
Bartlet for world domination
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As the YTAs show, most people don't read. My dating profile starts and ends with a very specific rule, and I still get propositioned on exactly that. A lot.

Space Invader
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe they should create a dating app where there are no pictures initially and the only thing to go with at first is the profile. Then again, people probably still wouldn't read it...

Load More Replies...
Stacy s
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why even put those few YTAs at the end of each of these? If anything, they're the minority, and could be mentioned first. Like the articles on here are set up to leave a bad taste in your mouth when you're done.

Space Invader
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think of those as a "reality check" at the end to prepare readers once more for the real world - where common sense is still a rare and valuable resource.

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
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