I’m certainly no cynic when it comes to fate, karma and one’s spirituality or inner beliefs. But not everyone is willing to leave their future in the hands of the fickle winds of destiny and luck – nor the horoscopes for that matter. When it comes to finding a compatible person to hang out with, these statistics might just help you make a few crucial decisions that lady luck did not think of.
1. More than 40 million American singles enlist the services of online dating. In other words, 40% of the adult population in the U.S. Online dating is no longer a gimmick, it’s a legitimate matchmaking resource any single person should consider.
2. If you live in America, there are more than 120 million single men and women. That’s a pretty incredible sea of singles!
3. There are more single women in America than there are single men – for every 86 single men there are 100 single women.
4. In the state of New York, 50% of adults are not married making New York one of the highest populated regions for singles in the U.S. Not to be out-done though, Washington, has more than 70% of residents flying solo.
5. A recent lifestyle survey suggested that 51% of single men and women regarded flattery as the ultimate way to attract someone. Research also tells us that 25% of people regard touching through flirting is an effective way to gain one’s affections. While 38% regarded passing the word through a friend to let someone know you’re interested as an acceptable means to establish your intentions.
6. According to MIT and University of Chicago, free online dating sites profiles with photo’s receive up to three times more responses than profiles without photo’s.
7. On a first date, women generally allow up to an hour to make a final judgment call as to whether a second date is on the cards. For the men, they are less patient and will decide the fate of the date within the first 15 minutes.
8. The number 1 factor leading to arguments between couples is money. So a word of advice, be fully prepared to pay for dinner on a first date, and if you both agree on a different outcome, that’s a sign of good things to come.
9. An average of 53% of couples now break-up via text message or email. Rude, cruel, cold, or not, the digital world dictates almost everything else in our lives so why should romance be any different?
10. Only 4% of guys met their wife at a bar or night club – 8% for the girls (their husband). So it’s plain that you’re far less likely to meet someone long-term perched on a barstool. According to the publication, Sex in America, 68% of couples hooked up either through friends or a related network. 20% of couples now get together via dating websites and social networking sites.