For singles in 2021, the hottest trait in a potential partner isn’t physical attraction, but instead a healthy dose of emotional intelligence. According to a new study by Match released today, emotional maturity tops the list of what singles are looking for, beating out all other qualities. It’s one of many recent shifts in dating trends that show singles are reconsidering their priorities when it comes to romantic relationships in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emotional maturity matters more, looks matter less
For Match’s 11th annual Singles in America study, researchers surveyed over 5,000 singles between the ages of 18 and 98 across the U.S. In addition to the shift toward an interest in emotional maturity, the study also found that singles are looking for stability and security in long-term partners—and that they’re far less concerned this year with finding someone who is physically attractive than they were in the past. In 2020, 90% of singles ranked physical attractiveness as an important quality, while this year only 78% did. And beyond emotional maturity, being open-minded and accepting of differences was important to 83% of respondents and being a good communicator was a high priority for 84%.
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Read More: How the Pandemic Fueled the Rise of ‘Intentional’ Dating
A majority of singles reported being eager to be off the market—and the sooner, the better. The study found that only 11% of singles want to date casually, while 62% said they’re looking for meaningful and committed relationships. Urgency has also become a factor: 65% of those surveyed, especially Gen Z and millennial singles, said they wanted a relationship within the next year.
Singles want stability and security
The effect of the pandemic on these cultural changes cannot be emphasized enough, according to Helen Fisher, Match’s Chief Science Advisor, who said that the trends that have prominently emerged because of COVID-19 have the potential to impact how…
Source : time
