I'd got to that age when I was out on a date with a guy and I would be thinking: Don't mention your age, don't mention that you want a child - because they would just run out the door.

The quote "I'd got to that age when I was out on a date with a guy and I would be thinking: Don't mention your age, don't mention that you want a child—because they would just run out the door" by Denise Van Outen reflects the pressures and challenges of dating as women age, particularly when societal expectations and personal desires come into play. Van Outen, a British actress, singer, and television personality, humorously touches on the complexities of relationships and how certain topics, like age and the desire for children, can be sensitive or even deal-breakers in dating.

In this quote, Van Outen describes the dilemma she faced as she reached an age where her age became a sensitive topic. In many dating scenarios, people may feel self-conscious about revealing their age, particularly when society places a certain expectation on women to remain youthful or to have their life decisions sorted out by a certain time. She also mentions the topic of wanting a child, suggesting that the idea of starting a family can be seen as a burden or a turn-off to potential partners, especially if they are not ready for that level of commitment.

The humor in her quote comes from the exaggerated sense of urgency she feels during these dates, where she has to carefully navigate conversations to avoid scaring potential partners away. The idea that simply mentioning age or the desire for children could cause someone to "run out the door" highlights the sometimes absurd pressures people face when trying to balance personal desires with the expectations of others in romantic relationships.

Van Outen's quote resonates with many people who experience the conflicting emotions of wanting to express their true desires in a relationship while also facing the fears of judgment or rejection. It’s a reflection of the challenges women face in dating as they get older and the societal pressures surrounding relationships, age, and family life. By framing the situation humorously, Van Outen highlights the often awkward but relatable realities of navigating modern relationships.