Chantel Brink
Chantel Brink
January 25, 2024 ·  3 min read

Jennifer Lopez said Men Are ‘Useless’ Before 33 – and She’s Actually Not Wrong

If you already have the best husband ever, keep reading anyway… This advice could help the hopeless romantic friend in your life who thinks they will never find love. Because according to 54-year-old singer, dancer and actress, Jennifer Lopez, that friend may just need to look for someone over a certain age.

Tinder is a popular dating app and once in a while, they will put out episodes of a video series that doles out dating advice called “Swipe Sessions.” One of these episodes was hosted by Lopez who helped a 29-year-old country singer by the name of Brooke swipe through her potential matches.

Brooke was looking for a “guy’s guy” who can “chop wood and stuff” even though she doesn’t necessarily need wood chopped. So, Lopez knew her friend needed some guidance as she ventures into the dating world.

After sifting through Brooke’s Tinder profile and learning that she is a country singer and lover of yoga and wine, Lopez suggested changing her profile to suggest that she is looking for something more serious. Then, she started analyzing all the guys she was being matched with…

Unimpressed, she finally stopped, looked at the screen and shared a debatable piece of advice.

“Guys until they’re 33 are really useless.” (1)

Relationship Expert: Lopez Advice Is Pretty Accurate

If someone isn’t looking for commitment, then that’s a different story. But, for people who are looking for a long-term relationship, apparently age matters.

“It can take men into their early 30s to establish their professional career and feel a sense of financial stability, which helps them feel more secure in life,” New York-based relationship expert Jane Greer told INSIDER. (1) “As a result, this can give them the maturity that comes with accomplishment, experience, and success.”

Of course, this isn’t true for all men. Some of you may have married your high school or college sweetheart long before the age of 30. It does seem true, however, that many boys finally become men upon entering their third decade.

Maybe they’ve lived enough life; maybe they’ve faced more trials and tribulations; maybe they’ve had a revelation after one too many unhealthy relationships.

“Sometimes you see a guy who’s been in several relationships, but then, in his early 30s, suddenly he meets a woman and is ready to marry her.” (1)

Whatever the reason, something changes. In fact, researchers suggest this positive change is rooted in science. Neuroscientist Jay Giedd reminds us that the part of our brain that directly affects how we think (i.e., the cerebellum) continues to grow into the mid-20s while “pruning away unused connections and strengthening those that remain” in our 30s. (2,3)

“Around age 30, a sense of acceptance begins to settle in,” wrote Ann Friedman, a columnist for The Cut. (4) “It’s when many of us experience our first big career payoffs, and allow ourselves to exhale a little because for once it doesn’t feel like we’re building our lives from scratch.”

Do You Agree with Jennifer Lopez?

Whether you, too, think that all men under the age of 33 are useless, fair enough. What is important to realize is that you have self-worth, high standards, and deserve to be in a healthy, empowering relationship. The truth is, your relationships will get better because you’re getting better. So keep working towards self-improvement and the rest (maybe even the love of your life) should fall into place.

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