The Power Curve – Men, Women and Marriage

One of the largest lessons I learned over the last eight years is the reality behind the ‘Power Curve’. An old friend and roommate, Jim Gorman, mentioned this theory to me and I’ve added a few of my twists into the general concept.  In a nutshell, men and women are NOT on the same page upon graduating from college.  In general, men look at their new salaries as more beer and spending money, whereas women tend to be ready for marriage or finding that person to become serious with – eventually leading to wedding. Listen up ladies, men and women are truly different post-college and as soon as you understand this, dating will be smooth sailing.

The Power Curve is something similar to what you learned in your basic Economics class – supply, demand and equilibrium.  In my example, ‘power’ is defined as sophistication, good looks, wealth and goals. From 22 – 27, women are ‘up’ on the curve.  We tend to retain our post collegiate good looks, actually shedding those Freshmen 15.  We start attending plays, discovering the city and enriching our minds at work.  Many of you may date older men that own their own homes, perhaps a boat and have the means to take you to the best restaurants in the city.  These men are in their later 20s/early 30s.

Guys are just as diligent as women when it comes to careers, but their goals are different. They are preparing for business school or building their resumes to become partners in law firms.  Men in their early 20s typically don’t attend plays, charity events or frequent non-pub-like/sports bars- yet.  These guys are being mentored by other men and enjoying evenings out with sophisticated and intelligent women.  The difference? Most guys are not ready to settle down until after the age of 27.  Until that age, they date as much as possible and keep certain trump cards (gals) in their back pockets.  When a man is ready to settle down and be married, he usually goes into that back pocket to see what gals are available.

As guys get older, they become more sophisticated, accumulate more wealth and have those cultured skill sets that attract younger women in their 20s.  It’s the middle age group for guys– 22-26 that most gals need to be aware of.   Yes, I know this sounds very stereotypical and non-scientific, but it’s true (I've been thru all the scenarios time and time again).  Young women need to understand that guys WANT to see you, they WANT to spend time with you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to marry you tomorrow. 

Gals have the upper tier of the power curve until the age of 27. This ‘lead’ comes from maturing faster, still retaining their figures and growing sophisticated faster than their guy counterparts.   After 27, men sense a scramble from women to get married, settle down and beat their biological clocks.  Men after age 27 shed their beer bellies, begin buying toys like condos, boats and golf clubs, begin joining country clubs and charity boards and are ready to find that special someone.

Ladies, date wisely in your 20s. Don’t give yourself away to the rooster when you know he’s checking out the other chickens. There’s nothing wrong with spending time with roosters, just make sure you keep a strong sense of self and know what the game is.

Remember the Power Curve and you’ll save yourself quite a bit of dating grief. More tips on dating in future Gals' Guide posts from this Chief Guide and others.