People here like to bemoan woman's standards as too high.

But really the main standard has stayed the same for a long time. The simple question of "am I a happier person with my partner in my life?"

Once upon a time "old maids" as women that were still single past a certain age were called, weren't treated very well by society. When it came to having autonomy, comforts and wealth, fitting in, commanding respect. Getting married allowed them to join "polite society" with all the benefits it provides.

Now days single women have it way way better than they used to. With the baseline being better, a man needs to bring more to the table now for things to be an improvement.

That kinda desire isn't unreasonable though, it's perfectly rational to only be interested in a relationship if being in one improves your life. And if it's an unrealistic goal for a woman, it's better for her to remain single than it is to drop her standards to someone who doesn't improve her life.