Why Being Picky AF in Your 40s is the Key to Finding Love

Swipe Left on Settling: How I Ditched Dating Apps and Found Real Connection After 40

Picture this: You're a 40-something woman who prefers kale to Kobe beef, green smoothies to gin and tonics, and would rather spend your Saturday at a farmer's market than a steakhouse.


Oh, and you're single.


Welcome to my world, folks!


Today, we're diving into the wild and wacky universe of plant-based dating after 40. Buckle up your hemp seatbelts, because we're going to cover it all:

  • The dating app debacle: Why swiping left on meat-eaters isn't enough
  • The hilarious reality of being asked out to dinner as a high raw foodie (Spoiler: It's not pretty)
  • How embracing singlehood can be your superpower
  • Why building my legacy is more important than building a relationship (But hey, if you can keep up, let's talk)

So, whether you're a fellow plant-based warrior navigating the midlife dating scene, or just someone who enjoys a good chuckle at the expense of my dating mishaps, stick around.


We're about to get raw and real about love, loneliness, and finding a partner who knows that 'sprouting' isn't just something that happens to old potatoes in the back of the fridge

The Non-Negotiables: Standing Firm in Your Plant-Based Values

When it comes to dating after 40, one thing has become crystal clear to me: compromising on core values is a recipe for disaster. As a committed plant-based eater, my lifestyle isn't just a diet—it's a reflection of my deepest beliefs about health, ethics, and environmental responsibility.


Here's my hard truth: I won't date someone who regularly consumes animal products. Period. While I can respect a partner who might indulge in high-quality, organic meats on rare occasions, their daily diet needs to prioritize raw, plant-based foods.


I've heard it all: "You're being too picky!" or "Just settle for someone who's generally healthy."


But at this stage in my life, I know exactly what I want. Waiting for the right match beats settling for someone who doesn't truly get me.


A partner who doesn't share my commitment to plant-based living?


That's a fast track to resentment and misalignment.

The Dating App Dilemma: Swipe Culture, Rebound Romances, and Ghosting

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: dating apps. I've tried them all, even the niche vegan ones.


The result?


A mix of disappointment, frustration, and some hard-learned lessons.


The problem with these platforms, especially for us midlife daters, goes beyond the superficial swipe culture.


It's a breeding ground for emotional unavailability and half-hearted connections.


Here's what I've discovered:


The "Fun Buddy" Syndrome: More often than not, I've matched with guys fresh out of relationships. They're not looking for anything serious - just a "fun buddy" to pass the time. It's like being offered the job of unpaid therapist and rebound girl rolled into one. No thanks!


The Ghosting Game: My last significant relationship, which lasted on and off for three years, ended with him pulling a Houdini act. One day we're talking about our weekend plans, the next - poof! He vanished, most likely rekindling things with his ex.


The Upgrade Illusion: People are constantly swiping, never satisfied, always looking for an upgrade. It's exhausting, shallow, and ultimately unproductive. We're all treated as disposable, replaceable with just another swipe.


I kept matching with men who needed my health services more than a date with me.


That's why I quit dating apps over a year ago. I realized I was just filling time, not building meaningful connections.

The Reality of Dating as a High Raw Foodie

Let's get real about dating when you're committed to a plant-based lifestyle, especially as a high raw foodie.


The number of times I've been asked out to dinner is mind-boggling.


Seriously, guys?


You want me to watch you devour a full meal while I munch on a side bowl of fruit that's not even ripe?


Here's a newsflash for all potential suitors: Most restaurants use seed oils, and their food is actually causing inflammation. So, stop asking high raw foodies out to eat!


Be more original. Take us on a hike, go to the park and share some fresh fruit, or better yet, come up with something unique that doesn't revolve around conventional dining.


And please, spare me the "I'll go vegan for you!" line. If someone is changing their entire lifestyle just to date me, that's not authentic. They need to do it for themselves, not for me.


If you think a steak is worth more than my glowing skin, boundless energy, and stellar health, we're clearly not on the same page – or even reading the same book.

Embracing Singlehood: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

One of the most infuriating myths about being single in your 40s?


The idea that something must be "wrong" with you.


Let me set the record straight: nothing could be further from the truth.

Being single allows me to:


  • Always have fresh, healthy food in the house
  • Spend three hours+ at the gym in the middle of the day on a Saturday just because
  • Build my business without anyone complaining I work "too much"

When people ask, "Aren't you worried about being alone?"


I'm honest.


Sure, those fears creep in sometimes.


But I'd rather be alone and thriving in every other area of my life than compromise on a relationship that doesn't align with who I am at my core.

Entrepreneurship and Dating: Why Personal Growth Comes First

As a woman entrepreneur over 40, I've been told countless times to focus more on finding a partner than building my business.


But here's my truth: my career and personal growth fulfill me in ways a mediocre relationship never could.


Entrepreneurship has introduced me to incredible people who align with my values, both professionally and personally.


Has it made dating more challenging?


Absolutely, it made it a less priority!


But it's also allowed me to raise my standards and attract people who are on the same journey of growth and self-discovery.

AI and Dating: Smart Tech for Midlife Connections

Let's talk about something new in the dating world - Artificial Intelligence (AI). This isn't about phone apps. It's about smart tech that's changing how we connect with potential partners.


Here are some real AI tools being used in dating today:


  • Relationship Prediction: Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed an AI system that can predict if a relationship will last based on how couples speak to each other. While not used in dating yet, it shows how AI is trying to understand relationships.


  • AI Dating Coaches: Replika, an AI chatbot company, has features that can act like a dating coach. It can help you practice conversations and give advice on relationships. While not specifically for dating, many users use it this way. Check out their website at https://replika.ai.


  • Emotion Recognition: Affectiva is a company that uses AI to recognize emotions from facial expressions and voice. While not specifically for dating, this technology could be used to help people understand each other better during video chats. Learn more about their technology at https://www.affectiva.com.


  • AI Matchmakers: AIMM (Artificially Intelligent Matchmaker) is a voice-based AI dating coach and matchmaker. It talks with you, learns about you, and then finds matches. You can find out more on their website: https://aimm.online.


  • Face Reading AI: NTechLab, a Russian company, developed FindFace, an AI that can analyze faces to find someone's "type" based on their previous likes. While controversial, it shows how AI is being applied to attraction.

But here's what I really think: AI is a helper, not a magic wand. It's like a good kitchen tool - it can help you make great food, but it can't make you like kale if you hate it.


These AI tools should make real-life dating better, not replace it. They can help you find people, but they can't make you click with them.


That spark you feel when you meet someone who loves long hikes and fruit-filled beach days?


AI can't create that.

Fit Raw Life's Top Tips for Thriving in Midlife Dating:

  • Stay true to your core values: Whether it's your plant-based lifestyle or other deeply held beliefs, never compromise on what matters most to you.


  • Focus on real-world connections: Whether you're using dating apps or meeting people organically, prioritize face-to-face interactions where you can truly be yourself.


  • Use your singlehood as a superpower: This is your time for self-discovery, career growth, and personal fulfillment. Embrace it!


  • Maintain high standards: Don't lower your expectations just to avoid being alone. The right partner will complement your plant-based lifestyle and support your ambitions.


  • Prioritize personal growth: Whether it's through entrepreneurship or self-improvement, focus on becoming your best self. The right relationship will align with your growth, not hinder it.

Remember, being single in your 40s isn't a failure—it's an opportunity to create a life so amazing that the right partner will be a bonus, not a necessity.

Grow Your Business with AI Magic!

Hey, guess what? I love the tech stuff most people hate.


Want me to use that tech-magic to grow your business?


Let's chat!

Fit Raw Life—Founded in 2024

Kelly@fitrawlife.com

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