You might actually WANT a 2nd hand man, because those who have had a family before would have less qualms doing it again (if they have the means) and can decide fast knowing what they are getting into.
What you are short on is time, but I assume you don't want to compromise either. Someone who is widowed or divorce (that's not his fault) isn't a compromise in his quality as an individual, but one of time and some resources. But he would very much appreciate a mature woman who is open to his family.
Not gonna lie: if I didn't have kids and was single, I'd shoot for early 30's max until I was into my 50's. Unless you were a knockout who is just better than me (but then you wouldn't want me either). But having kids changes that equation immensely, because I'd appreciate the partner aspect much more because there is less pressure to have multiple kids.
41 isn't that old, and by this age there are more divorced than never married.
If someone has never had a serious relationship by the time they're 33 or so, it's a red flag 100% of the time in my experience.
Interesting.
A women for sale is pretty much a whore, so it doesn't seem they read into rather than taking you literally.
But even regardless, the fact that you took his word 'taken' in a literal sense rather than the compliment it was intended as, and here your defending it again rather than reflecting.
If your crossing off guys because they compliment you with common colloquial phrases that you take literally and negatively, well, you will indeed have a short list of suiters.
For some people, “why have you not been taken” may mean nothing more than “I really like you and I can’t believe you are available.”
And if it was a serious question asked early on, I would probably reply with something I don't like about myself, a weakness, if you will. It's not an entirely unreasonable question.
He said something that's a common expression, "taken", which is used for both men and women. It was clearly intended to be a compliment.
You chose an unlikely interpretation that clearly didn't match intent or common usage and decided to get offended about it.
After all your self description, I was wondering "how is she single?"
Right there, now I understand. I'd be out the door. Someone that is looking HARD for ways to be offended is not relationship material.
Think about your need to assign your meanings to other people's words. Maybe talk to a professional. This one thing can sink you.
Good luck!
Relationship material is subjective, and this is a really insensitive way to say you don't think you'd be compatible with them (some might say insensitivity makes someone "not relationship material")
For what it's worth, I'm a man and I understand why that language is off-putting to women. Also more interested in women who are more interested in being the taker than the takee, but I'm weird like that, I think gender scripts have most men seeking women looking for partners to take a more passive role (at least in some regards)
> And love you for being so active in this discussion ! I’m inviting you to my wedding metadat:)
Aww I'm honored, and FYI- I literally just sent out the invites for mine this coming August :D Cheers!