Attitudes About Online Dating Changing in Tough Economy
As it stands today, the outlook for the American economy seems to be heading in one direction – Debt, and more debt! The nations unemployment now tops 14 million, which paints a picture far from sexy. Relationships experts say that single people are adjusting their methods of dating opting for a picnic in the park and a bottle of wine as opposed to posh chic restaurants.
Online dating is one of the few global industries that seems to be somewhat recession proof and has seen consumer participation increase an average of 5% annually through good and bad economic times. What is clear though is that both men and women are relaxing their standards in terms of a potential mates career or job status.
Jason Kallis, manager of the Sunshine Bay Meet Me At Mike’s speed dating organization, says that there’s been an overwhelming change of attitude as far as people’s expectations on a potential partner.
“There’s far less pressure to maintain a six-figure salary or drive a BMW, unemployment is no longer a deal breaker for many single people.”
Janelle Gentle of Salt Lake City told us she’d never consider dating a guy who was unemployed when times were better, however the 28 year old law graduate has relaxed her previous standards telling us she’s been on several dates with unemployed guys.
“There’s a difference between someone who is long-term unemployed that has developed into a lazy lifestyle as opposed to someone who is employable but has simply fallen victim to the recession – I can tell the difference between these types of people.”
It seems that the generosity of one’s spirit is emerging as a rare and fantastic quality in a potential mate as opposed to the generosity of someone’s wallet. The poor economy seems to have forced society to start taking heed in the things that really matter rather than judging people based on material possessions or status.
April Braswell, a contributing author and relationships and dating expert for the third edition of “Dating for Dummies” makes mention that even though single people are ultimately looking for financial security, they are far more forgiving and accepting when a partner loses their job, so long as he/she shows initiative and continues to look for new employment opportunities.
“People need to know and hear about what actions and plans their perspective partner is undertaking to get re-employed, says Ms. Braswell, “If you’re on a first date, of course this is a get-to-know-each-other stage, but it’s important to make some mention of who you are connection with as a solution to find employment – it’ll give your date a little re-assurance. “Mention things about your job hunt but refrain from complaining about your situation, remain positive and upbeat, share your plans and ambitions.”
However, before employing any of the advices offered by our dating experts, you’ll need to find a date to start with. And that’s why online dating has continued to prevail even though the economy crashed. Singles are looking for less expensive options even before they step outside their door. An online dating subscription offers a far more inexpensive option as opposed to adding together the associated costs of hitting the town and bars to meet people. When the economy officially crashed in 2008, several leading online dating services including Match.com reported their best ever sales periods.
According to the statistics…
Based on a survey of 5000 singles, source: Todays Dating:
* 29% of single people admitted to feeling stressed due to the economy and finances.
* Despite the jobless scenario in the U.S. 37% of men and 19% of women thought the man should pay for the first date.
* 50% of respondents would date an unemployed person providing there was chemistry and found them interesting.
* 46% of females do not care how much money is spent on a first date.
* 65% of women will spend more than $50 in preparation for a first date.
About the author: Matt Fuller is a contributing writer for Todaysdating. Matt writes about a variety of topics relating to dating sites online and free online dating sites reviews.
