A woman who took to TikTok for advice on singleness over 35 got more than she anticipated, and she told Newsweek how advice from commenters kept her hope of true romance alive.
In a video that reached over 120,000 people, Marisha Gupta sparked a conversation about self-love and companionship by sharing her longing for a partner at the age of 37. Gupta spoke of an overwhelming response from other women online, and how she is still keeping hope while finding peace with her singleness.
Gupta, who has been single for five years, shared her internal conflict in the viral video. Despite loving herself, thriving in her independence and enjoying her friendships, she admitted feeling that "something is missing."
"I've been in therapy for years. I truly love myself," she said. "But at the end of the day, I yearn for a companion. I yearn for a romantic partner."
Her TikTok post wasn't just a cry for reassurance but an invitation for conversation about how people who are 35+ are just content being single. "What was your clicking moment where you said, 'I'm good if it happens, but I'm not going to yearn for it anymore?'"
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Viewers flooded her comments with empathy and advice.
"Accept that I have no control over when my person shows up. Banish the idea of timelines pushed by society. Have faith that I'm on the right path. Focus on the things that bring me joy," one commenter wrote.
Another shared, "This is your reality now, but it doesn't mean that tomorrow or even five years from now you won't meet someone. Keep being hopeful."
Gupta told Newsweek that she didn't anticipate the video's reach but was deeply moved by the connection it brought about.
"The support from the audience impacted my perspective a lot. Mainly in not feeling alone, which is a consistent feeling for me," she said. "Oftentimes, especially at my age, seeing all these couples or relationships bloom creates an echo chamber. I often think no one else must feel this way or understand. I was proven wrong."
She found the stories of strength from other women particularly striking.
"Women are fed up," she said. "Fed up with the lying, cheating, abuse and heartache that dating often brings … A lot of people did say they were done dating, but a lot also said even through all the pain and suffering, they still want love."
'I still deserve this'
While Gupta emphasized the importance of self-love and independence, she also pointed to societal challenges that complicate dating for her generation.
She criticized dating apps and social media, in particular, for perpetuating unhealthy patterns.
"From the dating apps creating an algorithm to keep people on there to make money, to so many of our generation not dealing with their childhood and relationship trauma—just passing it on to the next person, to social media—there are so many variables in the pot that created this mess," she said. "Then the people who do the work are the ones who truly suffer."
Looking ahead, Gupta remains hopeful but realistic about the aforementioned issues of modern dating.
"I don't think I should put this idea [of finding a partner] on a pedestal, but to completely give up on the idea doesn't feel right," she said. "I haven't had my chance to really experience long-term love, and I feel I still deserve it. Everyone does."
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