The ‘Marriage Material’ Shortage: Are You Screwed? (Or Not?)

Fellas, according to The Atlantic, there’s a crisis in the dating world—apparently, America is running out of “marriage material” men. That’s right, the inventory is low, the shelves are bare, and if you’re looking for a lifelong plus-one, you might be out of luck.

Or maybe—just maybe—the whole concept of “marriage material” is overdue for a rebrand.

What’s the Deal?

The article breaks it down like this: Women looking for committed partners are struggling to find guys who check the traditional boxes—financially stable, emotionally mature, and ready to settle down. Turns out, those guys are getting rarer than an untouched sock in a bachelor’s laundry pile.

And honestly? That’s not surprising. The old-school idea of “marriage material” was built for a world where men brought home the bacon, and women made the sandwiches. That world? It’s gone. But the expectations? They’re still hanging around like a bad ex who won’t stop texting.

So, What Now?

If you’re a guy worried about whether you qualify as “marriage material,” let’s cut through the noise. Instead of checking off someone else’s list, ask yourself:

• Are you building a life you actually like?
• Do you know how to communicate like an adult?
• Are you taking care of yourself—physically, mentally, financially?
• Do you bring something to a relationship that isn’t just “I exist”?

If you’ve got those down, congratulations—you’re already valuable. The real move isn’t stressing about fitting into an outdated mold; it’s becoming the kind of person who makes relationships better, period.

For the Ladies Reading This

First off, hello. Second, if you’re worried about the “shortage,” remember this: The right partner isn’t about stats or salaries—it’s about finding someone who shows up for you, every damn day. And that kind of guy? He might not be rare. He might just not be the one in your algorithm.

Bottom Line

There’s no “shortage” of good men. But there is a shortage of people who know how to build real, lasting partnerships in a world that’s still figuring out what modern relationships should look like.

The good news? You get to help write the new rules.

And if you need a little help feeling your best while you do it—Hanks has your back.

Read the original article here: America’s 'Marriage Material' Shortage