So I'm 40, I'd say average looking by the standards of my culture - but without the features that would be redeeming like fair skin or height. Never married, no kids and I don't really see myself having children at this point. I've also tried to date/have a relationship with men probably above my league/SMV in terms of looks and nothing has lasted. Had the chance to marry someone who was kind of uglier than me long ago, but I really did not/do not want ugly kids and have them go through what I did — indifference or even rejection/picking upon of those who tend to seem lower on the totem pole physically/socially (incl from family).

Among my friends/acquaintances who've remained single at an older age (like mid to late 30s or older) I notice that they're again the not so good-looking or considered borderline ugly/really ugly by society's standards. If they're quite good-looking, they seem to be emotionally damaged in some way.

Is it the case that less good-looking/ugly women internalise the messages directed their way by society about their looks and subconsciously decide that true love/partners/family is not going to happen for them and decide it's either not worth making the effort/or hold out for someone above them in SMV/looks and failing?