LONDON — Looks aren’t everything when it comes to dating in 2023. Just like the song goes, many singles are apparently saying, “you got to have a J-O-B if you want to be with me!” A new poll finds financial health is now more important than good looks when it comes to finding a new partner. The survey of 2,000 adults finds 38 percent are more likely to be swept off their feet by someone who is good with money.
In fact, financial skills ranked as more attractive than physical appearance, a desire to get married, and wanting to start a family.
Love seekers even think a partner who is fiscally responsible is more attractive than someone who is in good shape (33%) and shares the same political beliefs (23%). Even when thinking more long-term, 65 percent believe financial and sexual compatibility are equally important.
However, 57 percent say they would rather be with someone who is “their type on paper,” even if they are not as career driven as they would like.
“Checking in on your financial wellness not only helps you feel like you’re in control but brings with it a sense of pride and determination that radiates to those around you,” says dating expert Charlene Douglas, who teamed up with NatWest, who commissioned the research, in a statement.
“By understanding your partner’s financial habits and priorities – and having regular, open conversations to align on those priorities, you can work together to achieve goals and reduce conflict in your romantic relationships.”
1 in 3 singles don’t care about your sign
The survey also revealed one in 20 people would love for more singles to include their credit score and how much vacation time they get on their online dating profiles. Meanwhile, 36 percent want to see fewer people describe themselves as “crazy” or “mad” when they are swiping right or left.
Three in 10 are tired of inspirational quotes on profiles and talk about star signs is a big turn off for 29 percent. However, 68 percent think online dating would be much simpler if everyone was honest about their financial health.
It also emerged that 45 percent actually feel more attractive themselves when they have their money in order, and 67 percent think this feeling can improve relationships overall.
Even outside of the relationship bubble, 80 percent feel more positive about life in general when they are on top of their money. However, 45 percent would potentially call it quits with a partner if they prioritized going out over their economic stability. It would also be a deal breaker for 44 percent if the person they were in a relationship with was always spending more than they have.
In fact, more respondents think it’s a “dumpable” offense not showing ambition to buy a home (32%), compared to a willingness to travel (24%), the OnePoll survey revealed.
Bad credit scores are a turn off
When in the dating stage, it takes as many as six romantic meetings, on average, before respondents are comfortable talking about their finances. For a quarter, a bad credit score can be a turn off.
“Relationships can be built on an understanding of how to manage money – as ultimately, this has a big role when things get serious,” says Phil Sheehy, head of short-term borrowing at NatWest.
When starting out in any new relationship, however, it has never been more important for couples to have shared values when it comes to their finances.
“That’s why we have created the Know Your Credit Score tool which is a free service available to everyone to help give personalized insights and tools to help them understand their finances and grow their financial compatibility.”
Top 15 Things People Value When Seeking a New Partner:
- Good sense of humor
- Friendship
- Shared interests
- Intelligence
- Romance
- Good sex life
- Good financial health
- In good shape
- Good looks
- Good financial knowledge
- Same taste in music
- Shared political beliefs
- Wanting children/to start a family
- Money/wealth
- Wanting to get married
South West News Service writer Oliver Lewis contributed to this report.
Exactly correct! Love, is SIMPLY not enough in a culture that still “charges” people for the right to be alive….(taxes, costs on electricity, water, etc.)
The “tribal” system has reached the end of their historical run.
What did Christ do TO this “tribe” in the Temple?
Choose wisely.
Evidently “Significant other” means sign-if-I-cant.