I can't understand how you would be 35 and think that your age could possibly be an issue with 'younger women'.

If brad pitt was there at the bar, at 60 years old, do you think his age would prevent him from pulling a 23 year old? I'll tell you.... answer is no.

You are failing for countless reasons - and age is most definitely not one of them. You are using it as a crutch. Tbh, you sound like one of those women that say the following things are getting in the way of their dating success

1. that they are too awesome and men are intimidated
2. that they earn too much money
3. that they are too interesting and well travelled
4. that men are all useless

This is all cope, and the idea that being 35 is too old to smash women in their early 20s is the craziest thing I have heard all week.

Do better dude.

You're just not Leo Dicaprio... yet

Seriously, if they don't want you then they just don't want you. It doesn't matter. There are girls who like older men and there are those who like younger. Just shoot your shot and see where it lands.

In my experience, looks win. If you're good looking, especially next to them, they talk about your age with pride. They keep calling me uncle when Im only 10 years older. It's like "daddy" but more socially acceptable

Don't mention your age unless she pushes it, just like any other potentially perceived negative aspect about you or your life.

The research shows women prefer men 3-7 years older. 35-27=8. So just get their age and say you're 3-7 years older. One thing I loved about Asia is they don't care about age gaps.

Hi there, the situation could be more tricky than you described.

Disclaimer: this is just food for thoughts Is it possible that you misread the whole interaction? Maybe they aren't interested but you mistakenly believe so only because they talked to you. I'm a social bomb and I'm able to create rapport instantly due to my innate ability with people and what I've found out is guys vastly overestimate signals from girls. Could be your case?

What about the vibe you are signaling? Are you sure you aren't needy? Girls have a special sense to detect desperation and it could be a huge turn off. Again, I know countless guys who their face and behaviour scream "DESPERATION"

I'm telling you this because the age gap you mentioned in your example is basically nothing and this let me lean toward other creepy issues.

One example: I take an ex coworker on a date because she was ogling me when we worked together. We have a great time, and at one point she asks me my age. I respond and she immediately says "oooooooh" and burrows her head in her drink and the whole vibe shifts to uncomfortable. 2 minutes later she mentions that she is kinda in a relationship.

First you don't say what is your notch count, how did you get it - social circle or bar hame for example.

You are 35 but it seems you have little exp with chatting up women with goal to fuck them.

As for the quote it means nothing. SHe could be: turned off in general, because you didn't hit on her, because you hit on her without calobration, she was using you for freebies etc.

BTW read what is on the right side of this post called 'Ask TRP Sidebar', if you can't try to help yourself, no one can or will.

I get shock/cringe response, followed by some variation of "Ooookay, I'm getting out of here", with panic in their eyes, looking for an exit

This will vary. Some will run, some will stay.

Best option is to filter out the disinterested ones like this and focus on those that stay.

The less good option is "take a guess" and when they say 25, you look shocked and say "fuck me, you're a good guesser, how the fuck did you get so good?". But this isn't as good as the first option.

My night is destroyed, I am now creep in my own eyes

Nah. Stop with the creep thing...... you're not a creep, you're fine. Stop falling into their manufactured shaming tactics. You're a guy trying to get laid and have a girlfriend and have fun. Nothing creepy about that. The only creepy is to be unattractive, and you sound like you're fine.

So this is in your eyes, not theirs. Get over it.

But some will see you as too old for them, and that's fine. Not the same thing as creepy though.

The questions start roaming my head - Should I just stick to older women?

no

Should I lie about my age?

ideally not, but maybe.

If you're looking for short term things, then sure: lie or mislead about it. If you want longer term, you gotta be honest.

Should I dress and behave differently, to signal my age properly?

Mayyyyyyyyybe. If you look/act your age more, you'll pre-filter more for girls looking for guys your age, which might work better for you. Try it and see.

After all work I put into myself to start living a life I always wanted - am I too late now?

hahahaha fuck no. I did just fine at your age and older.

If women like me before I tell them my age, why does it make such an extreme difference when I do?...

Not sure. Could be a cultural thing in your country. In Europe/USA, you'll get some women who love a slightly older man (you're not much older!). Some will hate it. Some are indifferent to it.

You're fine. Stop worrying about it, and just accept you're a good fit for some and not for others. Go find the ones that are into it.

Don't tell women your age or answer any factual questions for that matter. It puts you in a subordinate role to be answering factual questions (or any questions really) from a woman, and that is a bad thing.

You should develop ways to deal with factual questions from woman. For example, if she asks how old you are, you could answer "Just the right age for you" or whatever. There are many possible responses. Worst case scenario just ignore the question and change the subject.