Share This Article
Physical attraction decisive? For today’s singles, it’s no longer the most important quality in a potential partner. What is? Emotional intelligence. That’s according to the 11th edition of the annual survey by dating app Match. According to the app’s survey of 5,000 singles, emotional maturity tops the list of qualities singles are looking for, outperforming all other characteristics.
Every year, the Singles in America survey reveals the latest trends among singles. And this year, the study shows that “sexy” has been redefined. Physical attraction no longer seems to be enough. The emotional component is taking its place. It’s one of the recent shifts in today’s dating culture as singles have adjusted their desires in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
ALSO READ: 35 Playful Dates to Keep Your Relationship Alive
Serious relationships take priority
Based on the large-scale, we can conclude that most singles hope to find something serious. Only 11 percent of respondents want to date casually , while 62 percent are looking for a more meaningful and committed relationship. Compared to previous years, the shift in preferences is clearly visible. In 2019, only 58 percent of singles indicated that they were looking for someone to marry, in 2021 that percentage rose to 76 percent.
ALSO READ: One-Sided Relationship? 22 Signs It’s Coming from One Side
Emotional maturity is hot
This year, for the first time, there was a decline in singles’ preference for a match that scores high on physical attractiveness. It is now less important than before. In 2020, 90% of singles cited physical attractiveness as an important quality, while this year only 78% of respondents did so.
While the preference for appearance decreased, the preference for an open-minded and accepting nature increased. Along with emotional maturity, the demand for it is higher than ever before. After everything singles have been through in the past year, they now crave a partner who is emotionally intelligent, whether or not they have a six-pack. Singles in 2021 are looking for someone who:
- 84% they can trust
- 84% can communicate about wishes and needs
- 83% are open-minded and can accept differences
- 83% she can make them laugh
- 83% are emotionally mature
- 82% are comfortable with their sexuality
- 80% has a life of its own
- 79% are confident
- 78% are physically attractive
ALSO READ: Is He The One? Not If He Does These 25 Things
When people are confronted with a crisis, such as the corona outbreak, they start to think about their own lives and the lives of others. They rethink their priorities and think about the life they want to lead – once they can. That could partly explain the change in preferences.
Despite lockdowns, restrictions and global uncertainty, 74% of singles say the coronavirus crisis has not negatively impacted their dating life. Only 1 in 4 singles say the pandemic has had a negative effect on their love life.
P.S. Are you already following Gistinger.com on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter?