In my late 30s, no kids, decent life, some say I'm handsome & also got a gym bod. Picture painted.

I struggle to find a satisfying partner that ticks all(most) of my boxes. Those I want I don't get to be with, those that want me don't really cut it for me.
Mix the whole money, lifestyle and expensive dates thing that relationships are all about these days and it's just not that attractive for me to be in one.

My conclusion, focus on myself, get my money up and punt every now and then just to get the edge off.

It feels cheaper and more peaceful than having to worry about someone else. I also get to have the sexual experiences that I desire.

I'm keen to hear from you guys.

If you're single, I'm struggling to see why this is the case and why you're even punting. If you've got your shit together as you say you do, dating is not expensive and pussy is free. I don't punt when I'm single as there's just too much free pussy and I mean free free as in chicks will drive to you just to fuck, you don't even pay for petrol. If you go to her, they will normally cook dinner for you and then breakfast in the morning even so you not even spending money on food. Your mindset is wrong. You think it's expensive and effort so you're making it expensive and an effort.

Change your mindset and things will change. Know there's few guys in your position if you are in the position you say you're in and at the same time, hot chicks are a dime a dozen all looking for for same guy so they will make the effort to lock it in when they find one. You have the option to play the field and get free pussy even if they don't meet your criteria to date, they still delivering free pussy to your door like Uber eats so just enjoy it. Therein comes the problem as in eventually you're going to run into one that's a perfect 10/10/10/10/10 in looks, body, personality, attitude and even wealth. Someone that want to show off proudly to friends, family, colleagues etc and do life things like touring the world. That's when you can lock it in and take up punting since you need variety too and sometimes to stop you from becoming a simp to perfection.

Sift out on the dating apps and keep the conversation going. Those that are gold digging, the expensive dates as you say will weed themselves out as you reject the dates. Those that are genuinely interested will eventually get fed up of talking and tell you're they're coming over at your convenience with lingerie on. Learn to play the game and stop getting played.

JP69

you can not put a Rand/cent value to any relationship.Marriage is not a cost, and should not be measured in financial terms

Honestly bro, unless you're into getting pegged or trans girls, you shouldn't really be punting. A punt now and again is to smash your fantasy type. But there ARE girls out there - way too many! I'm married so I can't but I even see my wife's hot friends saying: "there's no men out there."

And it's so easy to pull girls today, just be a man. Don't be feminine and in your feelings - just be a man - there's not enough of that around.