Survey Reveals 65% Of Americans Value Being 'Swept Off Their Feet' In Modern Romance, Highlighting Luxury And Ambition.
A survey conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Seeking.com reveals evolving expectations in modern romance. The study, conducted from May 24 to May 28, surveyed 2,000 US adults and highlighted what Americans consider a "luxurious" dating experience.
Key findings show that 65% of Americans believe being "swept off their feet" is crucial for a successful romantic encounter. Additionally, 35% feel that a relationship is doomed if they don't experience this feeling on a first date. This emphasis on creating a memorable first impression underscores the importance of effort and creativity in modern dating.
When it comes to luxury in dating, 47% of respondents consider learning about their date's background and engaging in intelligent conversations as luxurious. Furthermore, 39% believe it is a luxury for their date to cover the entire outing, reflecting traditional views on financial gestures in dating.
Attractive traits identified by the survey include self-confidence, valued by 80% of respondents, and pride in life accomplishments, noted by 75%. Moreover, 73% of people appreciate partners who go above and beyond on a first date, while 42% find financial stability and cooking skills particularly attractive. Other notable qualities include having a nice home (24%), a cultured taste in music (21%), and a good fashion sense (20%).
Views on hypergamy, the practice of marrying or dating someone perceived as more successful or secure, are also evolving. The survey found that 45% of participants believe it is acceptable to showcase their success and wealth on a first date, while 31% consider financial success an attractive trait. Additionally, 39% believe that finding a partner with hypergamic traits contributes significantly to personal growth.
Hypergamy, a concept with historical roots, involves families climbing the social ladder through strategic marriages. This trend, popularized by shows like The Real Housewives and Bridgerton, continues to influence modern dating. Emma Hathorn, an in-house dating and relationships expert at Seeking.com, explains that people seek meaningful connections with partners who share their intellect and ambitions.
"Showcasing those ambitions and treating dates to a taste of luxury sets the bar for the relationship," says Hathorn. She adds, "People want to find themselves elevated – both in the conversation itself and by being treated to something tailored to them, exclusively."