In her latest special, Single Lady, Ali Wong shatters societal expectations of how women should conduct themselves after divorce. No longer confined by her decade-long marriage, Wong embraces her new life with raw humor, showing that divorce at 40 can be a powerful rebirth rather than a downfall.
Wong takes the stage with anecdotes that reveal the joys of dating again as a financially independent middle-aged woman. She makes it clear that she’s no longer looking to “trap a man.” Instead, she’s enjoying the freedom to explore relationships on her terms. “Look how much fun I’m having,” she boasts to the audience, transforming the image of a divorced woman from a figure of pity into one of triumph.
Society often expects divorced women to play it safe, to fade into the background, but Wong does the opposite. She unapologetically enjoys her success, flying out men to meet her in L.A. and making her suitors pay for first dates. Her success, both financially and personally, allows her to approach dating purely for her own enjoyment. This is a luxury many women don’t feel they can afford.
Wong’s candor about money, her divorce, and the modern dating scene challenges conventional norms. She proves that a woman’s life after divorce can be filled with excitement, growth, and confidence. Her unapologetic embrace of her newfound freedom reminds us that women don’t need to adhere to societal expectations—they can write their own stories, especially after divorce.
For Wong, life after divorce isn’t about following old rules. It’s about creating new ones filled with adventure, empowerment, and a whole lot of fun.
Who do you think is responsible for this unfair pressure on women to behave a certain way after divorce? How does Wong’s story challenge those expectations?
To what extent can financial independence change the post-divorce experience for women? Let’s talk!
