Son is 26 & never had a girlfriend

[Stumpedandneedshelp]

My son is 26 & never had a girlfriend. He says he wants a family one day but how is this meant to happen? He's been on a few dates but nothing has materialised. He's been on Tinder too. I think he's a good choice. He's good looking, respectful to women, can hold his own in a conversation although a little shy. He has a decent job, goes out with his friends, but still nothing.
I fully expect to get flamed for this post, I mean it's his business and nothing to do with me; but I do worry when I see all his old school friends starting to partner up with girlfriends & he seems to be getting left behind. He doesn't seem unhappy, but I do worry about his future.

I met my husband at 27. He was my first real relationship. He is the only man I have slept with. We’ve been together 20 years. It’s all fine!

What job does he do? presumably it doesn't encourage meeting partners.
Maybe he is gay? And hasn't told you.
Or he's just a bit too friendly and doesn't give off strong sexual vibes.
Unfortunately a lot of men rely on alcohol to give confidence to approach a woman.
Unsurprisingly. Also, maybe he's not good at reading signals of women who like him.
Maybe he's super fussy himself or just not picking up on signals. It's very hard for men I think

Easier for women to give signals.

Has he tried just ordinary dating sites rather than tinder ?

He will probably meet a friend of a friend and settle down.

If he doesn’t live with you how can you possibly know?

This thread is such a reassuring read! Gorgeous DD is nearly 26 and has never had a boyfriend. Plenty of dodgy flings but no actual relationship. She is often quite upset at the thought. I ought to show her this thread!

Her 32 year old cousin has apparently never been kissed. Mind you she is very churchy. And seems to spend most of her spare time babysitting other church members' children so I'm not sure how interested she is.

Both 'girls' have great careers and are super clever and solvent - academia and medicine, so are good catches!

You’re sure it’s a girl he’s after?

I don’t agree either. My 24yr old definitely doesn’t. A few of his friends, including females, do this, but generally they are upfront about it being casual sex.

But ds and most of his friends want a settled loving relationship and don’t want to shag around.

My elder DS was 28 before he found a steady girlfriend. Before that he used to date several girls but only ever saw them 3 or 4 times at most. He said they were boring, didn't share his interest. Now he's been with his current girlfriend for almost 4 years. They seem very happy. My younger DS is worse. He's now 28 and only been on a few dates. He's shy and introverted but has quite a few friends he goes out with but they mostly seem to have gf's now I think he's left behind because when he goes out his friends they are not looking for girls. 2 of his friends have got married in the last 2 years. He has his own house so he can't afford to go out too much as he has a mortgage to pay.

Stumpedandneedshelp you described my son exactly! Wants to settle down but girls not interested. Friends all settling down and they feel left behind. Wish I could start my own matchmaking company!

My brother didn't get married until he was 48, my other brother at 37. It took us by surprise as we thought they'd be eternal bachelors but both have married women so well suited to them and are very happy.

I settled down at 25, worst mistake I made. I lost the best years of my life and missed out of so much.

There's plenty of time at his age. Let him have fun.

For one of my sons he had a gf mid twenties, found "the one" early thirties and now has a little boy planning to get married. For the other had lots of gfs but never settled down now mid thirties been single a fair while and enjoys it too much to think about wanting to find a partner.