To feel sad my dating days are over?

Am I missing something? Your dating days were over at 21, why are you suddenly thinking about this now at 26? Sounds like you may have fallen out of love with your BF? Maybe due to his ambition or maybe because you’re different people now from the people you were 5 years ago.

I actually got the ick reading this. Losing your looks? Are you for real?!
Men and dating in 2025 are/is gross. Good luck if you decide to take that route.

If you are unhappy and it sounds like you are. Before you nuke your relationship maybe try to explore new hobbies, travel, have different types of date night ect and most definitely communicate this to your partner.
Maybe don’t bring up that you are unhappy that he is happy with his job though, that’s an inside thought, again unless you wanna nuke your relationship by verbalising that.

I think your friends are right- you really need to take a decision.
My dating days were over at 18, you had a better run than I did.

If he was the right one you wouldnt be interested in dating again.

I got with my DH at 21, I had similar feelings when I was around your age. We're stronger than ever 10 years later. Maybe try and put some more effort into the relationship and liven things up a bit.

If you're happy and you love him think very carefully about breaking up (I've seen a few other posters advise this!!). I've been with my husband since 21, we're both 36 now. At your age I definitely thought I was missing out... But now I feel so incredibly lucky to have him. It sounds like your life needs more excitement... Go have some adventures together and try new things

Wow you sound like a keeper, if I was him I'd get rid -this won't end well... certainly not focused on the important things in life are you ? lack of maturity for sure

What is it with this generation they hit 18 and need botox hit 25 think lifes over.
There soon be talking of care homes when they hit 30.

Im 39 in December and im living to the full i love single life, traveling going out etc, if i fancy a bit sex then ill hook up no strings attached.
I do bed not dates.

Im still young im 39 not dead.

If it makes you feel any better the chances of a cohabiting couple not being together after five years is 49% for unmarried cohabitators, so more or less 50/50, and then you can have another 18% onto that for a five year age gap or more. So chances are your dating days are ahead of you, not behind ; )

Maybe you don't like him that much if you feel this way. I've been with my husband since we were teenagers and now in our 30s, and I've never felt I was missing anything by meeting him earlier- quite the opposite!

Why can't you go out on exciting dates with him? Why isn't your sex life with an established partner who knows you well better than their random hookups? Why don't you think he's improving with age rather than already past his peak?

Honestly, it really does sound like you're just not that into him.

And I agree with your friends. 5 years in, living together, you should know if he's your forever guy. If not, dump and move on. A guy saying that would be accused of stringing you along and just keeping you around until a better offer comes along

You're a little jealous of your friends having "boy drama"? Considering how many MN threads are about just that, I'd say you were lucky to be in a safe and loving - if undramatic - relationship. But judging by the rest of your post, I wonder just what it is you do want...?

I feel sad that my dating days are behind me but I’m 47 with teenagers and a long marriage. I thought you were going to say you were in your 40s.

You’ve been with the same guy since you were 21, can you really see yourself with him in 20 years time?

At your age I was living my best life, like you said the SATC lifestyle, and if you want that, you can have it. 26 is nothing, you don’t have to settle for someone you’re not 100 percent about.

If you are doubting your relationship choice this easily then it might be time to let it go.

You love him! You are happy with him! Go on dates with him!
Ask him out on a date, and look into his eyes, and think "This is the love of my life and I get to be with this man forever! It will be awesome!

You are 26. I very much doubt that you are losing your looks. I also doubt that your dating days are behind you.
I’m old now but when I was the same age as you I did enjoy dating and yes I’ll admit it, sleeping with several men.
Some might say it’s shallow but I found it fun.
You are only young once and 26 is too young to settle for someone who is ok but doesn’t excite you.
I think it would be wise to end the relationship.

You need to get out on some fun dates with him!

Dating is a shit show out there! (Though was different when I was in my 20s and I was glad for my freedom and to travel and move where I wanted).

If you feel you are missing out now it will only get worse. In a few years you will be blaming him for your missed opportunities in life and then it may be too late. Does he know how you feel?

I think there’s a ‘crunch’ time in relationships at about 27 years old. A lot couples either seem to split or decide to marry at that age. If they split they tend to get married to someone else fairly quickly. I think you are hurtling toward your Crunch Time.

You don’t like him, so you should break up with him. I’ve been with DH since I was 15 and I’ve never once felt like this!

Fuck me. I’m 60 and just considering that I’m ‘losing my looks’.

You’re way too young to be having such thoughts. Are you really happy with your partner or are you comparing your life to that of your friends and getting FOMO?

Maybe if all your friends were settled with partners you’d feel happier in your current situation — we tend to look at what our peers are doing to orient ourselves. Maybe their current lifestyles are making you feel restless (but they’ll settle down eventually and you’ll all be in the same place).

It doesn’t sound like you are still into him. Have you grown apart? Do you still want the same things? People change a lot especially in their teens/early 20s.

Do you need more in your life? Doesn't mean you have to get rid of the boyfriend. You can still go out more with friends, and change your lifestyle? It sounds like you have settled down into regular life a bit too early.

I feel similar currently but a lot older than you. So I am trying to change things without getting rid of the husband. Making more plans with friends, booking more holidays without my husband so I can just be me.

Also dating is dire out there- my single friends have all given up!

Your dating days may not be over. You don't know what your future holds

Half of all marriages end in divorce, and you could find yourself a single mother and dating again.

Especially so seeing as you re not that into this guy. You are only twenty six considerif you want to continue dating. If you were really into this guy, you wouldn't be sad.Dating was over, you d be happy and looking forward to your future. But you're not.