Katie Couric's Notebook: Dating

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

In 1986, Newsweek famously proclaimed that a 40-year-old single woman was "more likely to be killed by a terrorist" than to ever marry. Twenty years later, the magazine retracted that statement, calling it far too grim.

But the lack of eligible men is a real dilemma. A recent Wall Street Journal story bemoaned the plight of the successful single gal who still can't find a mate.

Women now earn 58% of all bachelor's degrees and are entering the workforce in record numbers. Meanwhile, we're in a so-called "man-cession" where an estimated 80 percent of lost jobs were held by men.

That leaves fewer employed men to go around. And when the ratio is so much in their favor, that gives guys the upper hand....and often means more men behaving badly.

So instead of worrying about "marrying up," women should focus on marrying right - choose someone you feel has integrity, character and shares the same values. This is supposed to be an unlimited partnership, not a leveraged buyout.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

4 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment


by Nina_Alt February 15, 2010 12:17 PM EST: If you are interesting to most men, and by this I mean, fairly attractive, well-groomed, properly dressed for most tastes and cultures,intellectually vibrant, and with a somewhat sweet and calm or patient disposition, you will find a partner. Men are attracted to certain women, not because of their beauty, but mostly because they are relaxed and intelligent. And men will commit, perhaps sooner than a woman. But you have to do your part, it won't happen without work, prepare for the role and you will see results.; Reply to this comment


by NinthSt78 February 5, 2010 1:35 AM EST: Your article offers very good insight. Sometimes folks are looking for "perfect" when it can be more practical to be accepting and supportive helping each other.; Reply to this comment


by patziacioffi February 4, 2010 7:19 PM EST: You think it's tough for 40, 50 somethings... . One 60 plus female has a better chance of getting hit by a jet plane than meeting a 60 yr. old Mr. Right. Those guys are looking for post teens to extend their lives.; Reply to this comment


by kenhamlett February 4, 2010 3:45 PM EST: There is no real shortage of men. There is simply a loss of any sense of the practical by the women out there looking. They may or may not have a desirable job but in MANY cases, their attitudes and expectations make them undesirable by the very men they seek. Thus the guys try to stay out of their field of view. Then you have the women who turn their noses up at anyone that is not a CEO or high end plastic surgeon. There are two possibilities there. First the women turn into a quickie of the day or they set their sights then find out the guy is a fraud. Yes guys lie about income!
In any event, the guys are out here but only for the right women. Those mentioned above qualify as wrong... and lonely.
Women can't marry right if they do not even know how to identify Mr Right.; Reply to this comment