NEW YORK — If you don’t believe in love at first sight, this may change your tune. A new survey reveals that half of Americans simply knew their partner was “the one” the instant they met them.
That’s the takeaway from a new survey of 2,000 Americans, all of whom have been with their current significant other for an average of six years. According to the results, it took the typical respondent two years to decide whether they wanted to be with their partner for the rest of their lives. Some of their motivating factors include having an affectionate partner, growing together over time, showing commitment, and learning to be better toward each other.
Respondents also noted they knew their relationship was more than casual dating when their partners introduced them to their friends (67%) and parents (52%) — and of those with children, 62 percent said having kids played a major factor in them deciding to marry.
When it’s time to pop the question however, it seems that the engagement ring carries more significance than the wedding band itself. In fact, nearly two-thirds of engaged or married respondents (64%) prefer to wear just their engagement ring instead of using a separate band.
That small symbol of eternal love
Commissioned by JamesAllen.com and conducted by OnePoll, the study also finds that 17 percent would rather shop for an engagement ring online than in person. Another 64 percent would rather accompany their partner when ring shopping. Although survey-takers believe that you should save up for an average of five months to buy that ring, 71 percent claim the cost didn’t matter to them — and more than four in 10 (43%) actually shared the cost of an engagement ring with their partner.
“Humans have given rings to signify love and commitment for centuries, with diamond engagement rings as we know them today rising in popularity in the late 1940s,” says Shannon Delany-Ron, James Allen’s chief marketing officer, in a statement. “Although times and trends have evolved, one thing has remained the same – the significance of engagement rings. They have stood the test of time and continue to be an everlasting symbol of love.”
Rings need that personal touch
Despite these new takes on cost and timing, 71 percent of Americans in a serious relationship would love to have a traditional wedding proposal, complete with one partner getting down on one knee. To get ring ideas while shopping, people look to their partner’s style (39%), social media trends (26%), and their friends’ rings (22%).
When looking to buy an engagement ring online, shoppers pay attention to price (55%), reviews (37%), and customization options (35%). Respondents also strongly prefer customized rings over pre-set, ready-to-buy rings (36% over 26%).
“Now more than ever, consumers have a choice when shopping for an engagement ring. Over the past few years, there has been a huge uptick in couples shopping for their ring together and wanting more customized options. No longer is the pressure all on one partner to purchase the perfect ring based on a few hints,” Delany-Ron adds.
“The recipient also wants to have a say in the design of their ring from the band to the diamond. They don’t want the same ring countless people have purchased, but rather a one-of-a-kind piece.”