19 Types Of Guys Who Stay Single: Should You Date One?
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In your early twenties, being single is the norm. You’re dating, having fun, and still figuring out who you are and what you want. But as your thirties draw nearer, deep panic sets in. No one wants to be that single friend constantly being set up with men that your friends didn’t want to date. So, some people start to grab on to the first person they can find in a bid not to be the last single guy or gal standing. But other people recognize how monumentally ridiculous this is and remain single into their thirties, forties, and beyond. Others have this realization a little later (better than never) and end the long-term relationship they panicked themselves into all those years ago. And there are some types of guys who stay single for most (if not all of) their lives.
Why?
According to one study which analyzed over 6000 comments from men on Reddit, the most common reasons why men can’t find a partner or remain single is due to:
- Poor looks (maybe invest in a haircut now and then?)
- Introversion
- Low self-esteem
- Low effort (sounds more likely)
There are many different reasons why some men remain single. Maybe they’ve just come out of a messy breakup and are enjoying some time on their own. Perhaps they’re focused on their work right now and recognize it wouldn’t be fair to date someone. Or maybe they aren’t interested in being in a long-term relationship—they’re not ready to give up eating cold pizza in their boxers at 10 AM on the sofa without judgment.
In this article, I’ll be exploring the different types of guys who stay single. Some men choose to stay single, while others find themselves single by default. And if you’re a single lady right now, too, pay attention to my recommendation on whether it’s a good idea to date them or not.
19 Types Of Guys Who Stay Single
1. The one who’s an aging player
First up on the list of types of guys who stay single is the player who never grew up. Although it’s not okay when a man juggles women in his twenties, it’s somewhat expected, especially if it fits his bad-boy image. But when a man reaches 40 and is still trying to live a player lifestyle, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. His hair is receding, his tan is looking closer to the shade of orangeade each day, and women are no longer impressed by his water bed (were they ever?). Underneath the waxed chest may be a very lonely and insecure man.
Should you date him?
There is a chance that he hasn’t met the right woman yet. After all, most men do want to be in long-term relationships. There’s no harm in dating an aging player as long as you remember to follow my Little Love Steps—don’t invest in him more than he’s investing in you, and if it becomes clear he won’t commit, it’s time to shout, “NEXT!”
2. The one who feels like he just broke out of jail
This guy has been in a steady, long-term relationship for what feels like forever. There’s just one minor hiccup: they never seemed that happy together. There was no real passion or love there; everything was so beige. And although it was one of the hardest things he has ever done, he broke things off, has taken some time to process, and has a new lease of life. To say that he loves being single wouldn’t be accurate, but he’s darn happy, and you can bet he’s going out on the town tonight.
Should you date him?
Yes! As long as it has been at least a few months since his breakup, this guy has the green light from me.
3. The one who never grew up
Also known as a “manchild,” this guy thinks he wants to date someone. The only problem is he’s not looking for a girlfriend; he’s looking for a new mom. He wants to stay at home and play video games all day while his new mom goes out to work, then comes home and cooks his favorite chicken casserole (like his old mom used to), and he also wants the benefits of having a girlfriend, i.e., sex.
It’s no surprise that high-value women don’t want to be with this guy—he’s got some growing up to do.
Should you date him?
Heck no! You’re looking for a high-value man who can be your equal in a relationship, and that is not this guy.
4. The one who peaked in high school
Types of guys who stay single include those who peak in their teenage years. When you were in high school, this guy was the dream. He was the captain of the football team, the guy who all the guys wanted to be like and all the girls wanted to date. He was handsome, confident, intelligent, and funny. Fast forward twenty years, his cheerleader girlfriend got bored and left him, the closest he comes to sports is watching the game on TV, and the most exciting thing on his calendar is the upcoming high school reunion. He still goes into bars wearing his old letterman jacket and expects women to fall at his feet as they did when he was 17.
Should you date him?
The problem with being popular in high school is that you become used to dating the hottest girls. If this guy can reel his expectations in a notch or two (and ditch the letterman jacket), he might be fun to date.
5. The one who’s finally having some luck with the ladies
At the other end of the spectrum is the guy who couldn’t bag himself a date in his 20s no matter how hard he tried (and he tried hard). But after throwing himself into his career, losing some weight, and replacing all his terrible outfits with new ones, women are finally noticing him. And because the girls have never flocked to him with ease, this guy remains humble. Even though he’s a straight-up 10, he still assumes that every woman is out of his league.
Should you date him?
Yes!
6. The one in the friendzone
Sometimes, even if a man is kind, has a great job, and is looking for a relationship, women aren’t romantically attracted to him. Sure, he’s easy to talk to, but you don’t want to rip his shirt off, and where’s the fun in that? Bless this man. It’s not that he isn’t good-looking, but your pheromones are not doing the tango. And he finds himself back in the friendzone once again.
Should you date him?
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Yes. If you go on a date with a guy who ticks all your boxes, but there’s no “spark” there, give it a chance to develop. Go on a second and third date and see what happens. Mr. Friendzone might be your perfect man, but he’s a grower.
7. The one in the closet
The next one on our list of types of guys who stay single is as close to perfect as they come. He has the chiseled jaw, the washboard abs, the great job, and, dare I say it; he dresses better than you do. He’s charming, funny, and you can always count on him to show up for you. There’s just one tiny snag: he’s not into women. But for whatever reason, he’s pretending to be.
Should you date him?
Not unless you’re looking for a gay best friend.
8. The delusional one
You know how we all go through a phase as kids where we’re fussy eaters? “No, mom, I will not eat my peas,” we say and proceed to pick every last one of them out of our omelet.
Well, the delusional one is like this but with women. He is super picky and refuses to date anyone who is not 5″ 10 with a supermodel bust-waist-hip ratio and a thriving career. The funny thing is, this guy is no catch himself. He might have a dead-end job, a crummy personality, or a beer belly. Someone needs to throw a bucket of ice water on this guy.
Should you date him?
Nope. As I mentioned earlier, a high-value man will be your equal in a relationship. He will have a great job, a vibrant personality, and he won’t be so shallow when dating.
9. The one who thinks he has to listen to his parents
Trying to find your life partner is challenging enough already. But this guy has to deal with the heavyweight of his parents’ opinions too, and they have a very rigid idea of what his perfect partner should look like. It’s so bad that anytime he’s on a date, it’s as if his mother is there too, “Rajesh, she’s twice divorced, and she doesn’t even know how to cook rice; she will bring shame on the family!”
Should you date him?
Yes, but tread with caution. Some parents would rather dig their own grave than watch their children date someone they believe isn’t “right” for them. You would think a forty-something man would be past letting his parents tell him what to do, but some parents have their kids firmly under their thumb. Gauge the level of craziness before you get in too deep.
10. The one who’s married to his job
Next up on our list of types of guys who stay single is the workaholic. For whatever reason (a bad breakup, a chip on his shoulder, an over-achiever gene), this man is married to his work. While it’s great that he wants to work hard and make money, he is unwilling to create space for someone special in his life. Usually, it’s because he has been hurt in the past and doesn’t want to risk that again. So he removes the possibility of it happening. But in doing so, he ends up incredibly lonely.
Should you date him?
If you can get this man to face the real issues behind his tendency to prioritize work above all else, you might be able to make him want to change. But there’s no guarantee.
11. The happily hopeless one
Why are some guys always single?
Because love doesn’t seem to be on the cards for them. But instead of moping around feeling sorry for themselves or blaming women, they practice acceptance. Men like this haven’t closed themselves off to the idea of settling down with a woman altogether, but they’re over the current dating scene and won’t go out on a limb to find someone. Plus, they’re so rusty at this point that they have no idea if a woman is attracted to them or not.
Should you date him?
Yes, but if he’s not picking up on your subtle hints, you might have to make the first move or sit around and wait for him to get a clue.
12. The one in a rush
I know that biological clocks don’t apply to men since we don’t lose our fertility as we age. But time can put a lot of pressure on us too. For some of us, the thought of being single and childless in our 40s is terrifying. The man in a rush will wake up one day and realize that he wants a family, and he wants one now. He quickly signs up to all the dating sites (including Christian Mingle, even though he has never set foot in a church) and is on the prowl for a wife.
Should you date him?
Although this is one of the types of guys who are likely to stay single, he is probably a good catch. Just make sure you want the same things he does: marriage and kids ASAP.
13. The one who’s a divorced dad
This man thought he would be with his ex-wife forever, but unfortunately, things didn’t work out. But he will be eternally thankful for that relationship because it gave him his children, and they are his world. While he knows that no one can truly replace their mom, he wants to put another ring on it and try for a happily ever after take #2.
Should you date him?
He’s probably a great guy; just beware of the baggage of dating a divorced man with kids.
14. The one who’s bitter
This man has had one too many dating disasters, rejections, and failed relationships, and this has turned him into a bitter, aged man. He is done. And he’ll tell you that he chose to take himself off the market rather than being forced out of it by default. Even if he was lucky enough to meet a fantastic woman, he’s probably not in a place where he can have a healthy relationship, even if he craves one.
Should you date him?
Not until he has done the inner work to heal his wounds and traumas and is ready to meet you with a positive attitude—no one wants to date a negative Nick.
15. The one who’s working on himself
One of the more uncommon reasons why guys are single is because they realize they’ve got some work to do before they’re ready to date, so that’s exactly what they’re doing. And you’ve got to respect them for that maturity and honesty. Instead of pretending they’re ready and then flaking out or ghosting later down the line, they’re acknowledging their issues and working on them.
Should you date him?
Not while he’s still working through his issues. But once he’s done, he might be a dreamboat.
16. The one who hates women
There’s a word for men like this: misogynists. They don’t know a lot about women, but they see you as an object and inferior to them. He will often say things like, “the whole #metoo thing has gotten out of hand,” and “I believe in equal rights, but…” FYI: he does not believe in equal rights.
The a**hole routine used to work for him in his younger days, but today, it just makes him look like an a**hole. Only women with zero self-esteem and self-respect will date a man like this.
Should you date him?
Hard pass.
17. The one who’s single and actually loving it
What do you call someone who chooses to stay single?
This man.
Do men like to stay single?
Yes, a small percentage of them want to be eternal bachelors living in their bachelor pad and never have to upgrade to a house with a porch and swing set in the suburbs.
This man lets the pressure of society, his parents and his friends wash over him like a cool summer breeze. He’s single, happy, and wants everything to stay that way.
Should you date him?
Good luck trying to get him to give up his single crown.
18. The one who’s married but claims he’s single
Now and then, one of these men will pop up on a dating app, and you’ll think it’s too good to be true. He’s charming, he’s successful, and he’s 6″ 2—what more could a girl want? The only problem is that he is too good to be true. He has at least one wife at home and maybe some kids. But he won’t get a divorce. Nope, he’s too selfish for that. He wants the benefits of being married and the perks of being single. Someone needs to tell this man to quit being so greedy.
Should you date him? NO!
19. The one who’s a total stud muffin
And finally, on the list of types of guys who stay single is the one who is the total package. He’s handsome, he went to an Ivy League college, he’s an athlete, he plays the guitar, and he’s a globe-trotter. His career is humming, but he’s also a total family man. The only problem is that he can’t seem to find a woman to meet him on his level.
Why?
Either he hasn’t been lucky enough to meet her yet, or he’s holding out for the perfect woman, which doesn’t exist. And this is causing him a great deal of stress because being single at 40 is not a part of the stud muffin’s life plan.
Should you date him?
Yes, just pay attention to what he says he’s looking for in a woman. If it takes him 30 minutes to answer the question because his list is that long, run.
Conclusion
Maybe you’re thinking, but how do I know if the man in front of me on a date is one of the good guys or one who hates women or is already married?
Follow the Little Love Steps while dating, and you’ll naturally start to weed out the flakes, liars, and commitment-phobes and avoid getting hurt.
Have you ever dated one of these types of single guys?
Share your story in the comments below.
What about the guy who’s spouse died? Accident, cancer, whatever.
PS As a widow I already have experience with men who’s spouses died disease etc am interested in your perspective.
What about the guy who is your brother’s best friend? If it doesn’t work out he could risk loosing you and your brother.
Your writing is always such a joy to read: clear, concise, and funny! But wait! There’s more! You are also great at organizing your content and imparting real information. Kudos!!!
Omg! I am the woman equivalent of no. 11
Thank you for lifting up my spirit with this article. Great sense of humor. Some advices made me laugh.
What about a guy who has recently returned from the army after 4 years? How do I know that he is ready for a relationship?
Great and helpful info Adam, thank you very much!
Great info! But you forgot one I think. The “never married” man, the person that is terrified of being in a loving relationship w a woman. The more they like you the more scared they get and they have to end the relationship, or go silent for a few weeks and then come back. Then rinse and repeat. These people will be single their whole life and yet never stop trying to partner because it’s human nature to want a partner. I tried to have a relationship w one of these guys and it almost killed my spirit. Now I… Read more »
Every piece of writing you put out there is a delight to read since it is so well-organized, entertaining, and informative. Hey, hold on a second! What’s more! Your work is well-organized, and you provide useful details. Kudos!!!
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Thanks for making me feel better by writing this article. He or she is funny. Some tips made me laugh out loud.
You know, I was that man who did not believe in love and thought that he was waiting for a lonely old age. But now I’m madly in love with my girlfriend and I can’t imagine my life without her. And all thanks to this sofiadate facebook dating site. I advise you to visit this site too. I am sure that here you will find a beautiful girl that you like. I already found mine and we love each other very much. I wish you meet the love of your life!
There are many different types of guys who stay single, and not all of them are necessarily bad catches. Some guys are simply commitment-phobes who aren’t ready to settle down, while others might be perfectly happy being single clik more. It really depends on what you’re looking for and what type of guy he is.
The bottom line is that women looking for a date here you should be very careful about the type of man you date. If you want to avoid heartache and drama, steer clear of the 19 types of guys who stay single. However, if you’re looking for a challenge or are simply attracted to bad boys, go ahead and date one of these men! Just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
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I thought your article was interesting. I can’t wait for your post to come out soon. Have luck with the next update. This article is really good and interesting.
It’s important to recognize that there can be individuals who experience fear or anxiety when it comes to entering into loving relationships with women. This fear may manifest in various ways, such as ending the relationship abruptly or withdrawing and then returning after a period of silence. Understanding and empathizing with different experiences and emotions can provide valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships.
If I were single I would date guys like this
I think you should date one of them
Your ability to break down complex thoughts into relatable insights is wonderful, and it’s clear you put real heart into what you do. Thank you for creating content that feels as thoughtful as it is informative!
Seems like these are selfish reasons why would you give a chance to women who would have never given you the time of day but now they do? If women didn’t want you when you were just a average joe then once you past the finish line 1st place they are all of sudden trying to be down with you, avoid them like the plague.
What stands out is the nuanced approach—not all single men are the same, and their reasons for being single range from personal that’s not my neighbor growth and choice to unfortunate personality traits or circumstances.
This is a fun read! Some of these types are so relatable. Like, who hasn’t met the aging player? Haha! Makes you think about what you really want. Reminds me of the strategy in fruit-king-merge, gotta pick wisely!
Love the premise here, contrasting being single in your 20s versus your 30s. The title’s question ‘Should You Date One?’ is super intriguing – can’t wait to see the 19 types! It’s such a relatable setup for understanding evolving dating patterns.
when does “working on himself” mean real growth, not avoidance? Any quick tells besides time and consistency?
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I definitely laughed at the “commitment-phobe” description because I used to date someone just like that — always saying “let’s see where this goes” but never actually going anywhere.
Reading about the chronic overthinker made me chuckle because I’ve definitely over-analyzed text messages to the point where no one wanted to text back!
I laughed a bit at the “peaked in high school” guy because I’ve definitely met someone who still talks about his football days like it was yesterday. It’s kind of sad but also a little relatable when people hold on to that one moment of glory.
The part about the guy who’s basically married to his job felt pretty familiar. I dated someone who was constantly working late and traveling, and it was really hard to build any kind of routine together. Sometimes it’s not that they don’t want a relationship, it just never fits into their schedule.
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What a witty and insightful read! In our work as Cultural Ambassadors in Yunnan and Sichuan, we frequently meet the ‘Stud Muffin’ (Type 19)—the high-achieving globe-trotter who has seen the world but is still searching for that ‘perfect’ connection. Your advice to watch for impossibly long lists of expectations is spot on; in both love and travel, being open to the ‘authentic soul’ of a person (or a place) is more rewarding than chasing an unattainable ideal. We always encourage our community to move past the ‘surface-level’ and engage with the deep heritage of the regions we explore. Truly great… Read more »
Great post! I really enjoyed reading through your perspective on this, and it gave me a few new ideas to think about. It’s always refreshing to find content that adds actual value rather than just repeating what everyone else is saying. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for your future updates. Thanks again for the insight!
This was such an insightful breakdown of the different types of guys who tend to stay single! It really helps in understanding various personality traits and relationship approaches, which is so crucial when deciding who to date. For anyone looking for deeper insights into relationships and dating dynamics, I recently found a fantastic resource at https://pokopiaguide.com that offers some great perspectives. It’s always beneficial to be informed before diving into a new relationship.
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This was such an eye-opening read! I’ve definitely encountered a few “perpetual bachelors” from your list, especially the ones who are so buried in their work that they forget to make room for a partner. As someone who spends way too much time obsessing over my own side projects and checking sites like **ShipGrowth** to find new AI tools for productivity, I can totally see how guys get stuck in that “grind” bubble. It’s a tough balance between building something great and actually building a life with someone. Thanks for the perspective—it’s a good reminder to look up from the… Read more »
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This is a refreshingly honest breakdown of why some men stay single. The distinction between those who choose to be single versus those who end up there by default is something a lot of dating advice glosses over. Type #15 — the guy actively working on himself — is underrated and worth more patience than most people give. Solid read.
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It’s interesting how some guys stay single for different reasons. I wonder if understanding these types can help us all find better connections. By the way, I came across an AI Humanizer tool that might make dating profiles feel more genuine.
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Great read! The article \”19 Types Of Guys Who Stay Single: Should You Date One?\” really hit home. In your early twenties, being single is the norm. You’re dating, having fun, and still figuring out who you are and what you want. But as your thirties draw nearer, deep panic sets in when you wonder if you’ll end up with one of those types. It helped me think about my own preferences and why I might want to avoid the commitment‑phobic patterns. For anyone feeling stuck, checking out couple ai could offer some useful insights.
Great read! The article “19 Types Of Guys Who Stay Single: Should You Date One?” really hit home for me. In your early twenties, being single is the norm. You’re dating, having fun, and still figuring out who you are and what you want. But as your thirties draw nearer, deep panic sets in, and it’s natural to wonder if you’re chasing the right kind of partner. My tip: focus on shared values rather than the label. If you need a quick visual break from endless scrolling, I use remove bg video for fun background‑removal videos.
I really appreciated the honesty in “19 Types Of Guys Who Stay Single: Should You Date One?” – it captures that shift we all feel as we move from our early twenties, where being single feels normal and carefree, into the thirties, when the “deep panic” of settling down starts creeping in. Your breakdown helped me see which personality traits might actually complement my own evolving goals, rather than just fueling anxiety. Thanks for the practical advice; I’ll definitely keep it in mind as I navigate this transition. (Also, check out banana ai for some fun AI‑generated dating prompts!)
Know the type, save your heart.
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The “peaked in high school” type really hit home—ever notice how they still live in those glory days? Makes you wonder if they even realize that mindset is what’s keeping them stuck.
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