Part 5/16:
The same woman admits that her initial standards were high, demanding a partner with a master’s degree, a condo in Shenzhen, and an income of $110,000 — criteria that significantly limited her options. Over years of dating, she learned that most high-caliber men had already married, or he would not meet her widening—but still relatively strict—requirements. Once she lowered her expectations, suitable partners remained elusive, leading to regret about missing her prime marrying years. Her story underscores a common pattern: women over 30 often experience a steep decline in romantic opportunities, exacerbated by societal expectations and gender preferences.