The Dating statistics you need to know before going on a date
Our relationship expert Dr Pam Spurr (On Twitter & Instagram @drpamspurr) gives us her take on some interesting first date stats.
Some dating stats recently crossed my desk that I think are worth taking a look at. From the stats, you can also get some direction about what’s on – and what’s not on – when you go on a date.
Let’s look through them, here we go…
It takes just 13 seconds to decide if you're attracted to someone but it takes 15 minutes to decide if you want a second date …
This feels like a lot of pressure! You only get 13 seconds for them to be attracted or not. But the good news is you get a further 15 minutes where they might decide they want a second date with you.
How to optimise that 15 minutes? Check out the next stat!
The biggest conversational faux pas include sexual expectations (55%), plans to start a family (39%) and money (31%)
Uh oh, you don’t want to talk about your sexual expectations on the first date unless you met at a sex club! Equally give yourself a chance for second date by not talking about starting a family or money.
A two-hour date for drinks and dinner has been voted the best way to get to know someone properly
I’ve often said that it’s best to meet for drinks only and then if you’re getting on like a house on fire you can suggest staying for dinner. However, this survey of singles said they thought a full date with drinks and dinner is the best way forward. You need to decide which route to take when you make a date with that new person.
Only half (53%) would give a date a second chance if they didn't immediately live up to expectations
This is good news because after that first 15 minutes together, even if you don’t immediately live up to expectations you’ve got a 50-50 chance of getting another date. Let this give you confidence!
Two-thirds (66%) believe that people have lost the art of conversation, making face-to-face more difficult
I’m not surprised by this stat. So much of our lives are spent messaging, much less do we actually talk. If you’ve spent the last couple months constantly messaging friends and family – and you have a date coming up – get some practice in and pick up the phone/video chat with friends and family.
Making you laugh out loud (28%) and having a heart of gold (27%) are seen as the best qualities to show on a first date
This is a real eye-opener and should give you more confidence. Because if you’re not a natural at cracking funny jokes you can show what a good, honest and caring person you are.
Checking smartphone (37%), vaping indoors (30%) and leaving to take a cigarette (27%) ruin chances of a second date
Checking your phone is disastrous. It shows you just not into the date. And vaping or smoking is another turnoff unless you both do it. If you’re with someone who doesn’t smoke, get a smoke in before the date. Or better yet, think about stopping altogether.
Good luck, Pam x
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Follow Dr Pam on Twitter and Instagram @drpamspurr and at drpam.co.uk
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Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
