How Bad is America’s Romantic Recession?

College graduates are still getting married, but there are troubling signs ahead

One of the benefits of writing a book about relationships, dating and gender dynamics is that lots of people have opinions about these topics and share them freely. I recently received an email from a woman in her 40s who has given up on dating and men.

She gave me permission to share her email, although I will not use her actual name. “Cathy” is a 40-year-old financial analyst living in New England. She has a bachelor’s degree in French and German and is a self-described “linguaphile.” Her slate of hobbies includes bass guitar, astronomy, watercolor painting, reading, drawing, video games, and sewing. She has a full and active life.

When it comes to her dating life, however, things have not worked out as planned. Cathy writes:

“I've never had a boyfriend. I've never been in a long-term relationship. I've never lived with a man. I don't have children. This wasn't for lack of trying on my part. I've gone on dates with men, but they've never gelled into an actual relationship. When I was y…