The Dr. Laura Podcast – “Why Do Women Lower the Bar?”

Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Date: March 5, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Laura confronts a recurring pattern she observes among women who “lower the bar” when it comes to choosing romantic partners, particularly those with complicated pasts or baggage. She openly challenges the rationale behind becoming involved with men with multiple divorces and very young children, questioning the desirability of such arrangements and what drives some women to accept, or even seek out, these situations. Dr. Laura adopts her trademark blunt and thought-provoking style to urge listeners, especially women, to be more discerning and self-respecting in their relationship choices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Problem of “Lowering the Bar”

• Dr. Laura expresses confusion and concern over women who consider men with “two divorces” and “very young children” as viable long-term partners.
  • Notable Quote [00:28]:

    “I really don't understand the mindset of any woman who meets a guy. He says, ‘I’m divorced two times and I have a two year old and a four year old,’ and she sees him as a possible mate. I don’t get it.”

• She highlights real scenarios where women move in with such men, effectively becoming “mother of everybody” by default—an expectation she sharply critiques.
  • Memorable Moment [00:47]:

    "After a while I moved in with him so I would be mother of everybody. My wording? The hell does that mean ‘mother of everybody’? You're not. They have a mommy, they have a daddy and they're torn asunder..."
    — Dr. Laura

• Impact on Children: Dr. Laura emphasizes that the children's lives are already unstable ("torn asunder") due to divorce and co-parenting arrangements, and questions why one would add further complexity.

Questioning Relationship Choices

• Dr. Laura calls out the lack of critical evaluation by the women involved:
  • Men with significant recent emotional entanglements (young children and ex-wives) are, in her eyes, “not a good candidate for a stable, focused life.”
  • Notable Quote [01:05]:

    "Wow. A man with a two year old and a four year old with two failed marriages becomes a good option for stable, focused life. I don’t get it and I want to know why."

• She wonders aloud about the underlying issue: "How desperate can one be than to lower the bar?" ([01:19])
• Throughout the segment, Dr. Laura’s tone is incredulous and candid, pushing for self-worth and higher standards in romantic choices.

The Call to Action

• Dr. Laura offers her show’s contact information ([01:26]) to invite listeners to share their perspectives or personal experiences, signaling her interest in continuing this tough conversation:
  • "My number 1-800-375-2872."

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [00:28]

  "I really don't understand the mindset of any woman who meets a guy. He says, 'I'm divorced two times and I have a two year old and a four year old,' and she sees him as a possible mate. I don't get it."
  — Dr. Laura

• [00:47]

  "After a while I moved in with him so I would be mother of everybody. My wording? The hell does that mean 'mother of everybody'? You're not. They have a mommy, they have a daddy and they're torn asunder..."
  — Dr. Laura

• [01:05]

  "Wow. A man with a two year old and a four year old with two failed marriages becomes a good option for stable, focused life. I don't get it and I want to know why."
  — Dr. Laura

• [01:19]

  "How desperate can one be than to lower the bar?"
  — Dr. Laura

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:28 – 01:26: Dr. Laura’s central monologue on women’s tendencies to lower relationship standards, with specific examples and social critique.
• 01:26 – 01:28: Encouragement for listener participation through her call-in number.

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The episode’s tone is direct, challenging, and at times incredulous—typical of Dr. Laura’s no-nonsense style. She underscores the need for greater self-respect and objective decision-making in romantic pursuits, cautioning women especially to avoid settling for partners whose histories make them poor candidates for stability and true partnership. Dr. Laura’s call for higher standards is both a warning and an encouragement towards self-esteem and better life choices.