The 'taxi cab theory', popularised by Miranda in Sex and the City, suggests that men are like cabs: when they are ready to settle down, their 'light' goes on, and they commit to the next person they meet. This theory has resurfaced recently, with a Substack piece citing Harry Styles's alleged engagement to Zoe Kravitz as evidence.
Influencer Olivia Victoria explains in a viral TikTok that women often make themselves ready for Mr Right, even if they weren't initially, due to biological time constraints. Men, however, can wait until they feel ready and then choose the next available partner. This difference in behaviour is rooted in a scarcity mindset for women and a lack of urgency for men.
Ryan, 41, who recently settled down after years of noncommittal dating, describes the turning point as a feeling of having maximised joy from being reckless and seeing friends move on. He compares it to a scene in the film Greenberg, where the protagonist realises he is too old for the nightlife chase.
Dating coach Mila Smith observes that many male clients reach a turning point after experiencing hurt, heartbreak, or rejection, which makes the desire for emotional intimacy and stability more appealing. She cites a client, Sam, who ended a relationship because he wasn't ready, only to later commit to a new partner after experiencing similar treatment.
