Study Reveals The 5 'Biggies' Men Look For When Dating
How to find love the right way.
Ridofranz | Canva The internet can be an effective place to find love. According to a recent Pew Research study, approximately 37% of single people have used some form of internet dating site, and approximately 17% of online daters have found long-term love online.
With well over a million paying members and 20,000 new members joining each day, Match is the leading online dating site. And, overall, online dating sites are expected to earn 1.9 billion in revenue this year alone.
So, what do men look for when they're swiping on these apps? Here's what you need to know.
Study reveals the 5 'biggies' men look for when dating:
1. To be frank, youth
While women focus on finances, men opt for beauty and youth. These preferences can be explained by evolution: while gals seek security, guys look for reproductive compatibility.
A man wants a woman with whom he can have healthy, attractive offspring.
2. Similarities
Online daters — both men and women — are more likely to date people within their own race. However, women have a higher preference for same-race mates than men do.
Most dating site users also prefer to date within the same religion and political group. It also helps if you guys live in the same area. Smokers tend to prefer smokers; non-smokers seek out non-smokers; and those without kids are more likely to prefer other childless singles.
3. Proper grammar
Studies have shown that when it comes to online dating profiles and messages, grammar matters just as much as the content itself. Poor punctuation is a turn-off to both sexes.
4. Honesty
An accurate representation of self is more likely to lead to a second date. While it's okay to choose the option "I will tell you later," it's not okay to lie.
A recent Newsweek article discussed how 20% of online dating users lie about their age. On average, women decrease their weight by 8.5 pounds.
When outright lies are contained in an online dating profile, it can lead to immediate discontinuation of the relationship. Don't waste anyone's time — just be honest.
5. Fun photos
Pictures that show you engaged in an activity are far likelier to stimulate a successful conversation. On your dating profile, post photos where you're doing what you love to do.
Pexels / Karolina Kaboompics
Not only will they gain more attention, but they'll also offer something to talk about. Just make sure it's easy enough to tell who you are in the pictures.
These tips should come in handy when looking for love online. But remember: these facts are just averages and not absolutes. Conduct your research about online dating, and always stay safe when meeting potential dates.
Larissa Rzemiensk is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Lead Faculty Area Chair, serves as an adjunct faculty member at two major universities, in the fields of Psychology and Human Services, and is a yoga teacher.