Contributed by: ElyseRomano on Wednesday, December 22 2010 @ 06:54 am
Last modified on
In a recession, it's important to live within your means. The subway replaces expensive cab rides. Trips to Payless replace trips to Macy's and Bloomingdale's. Ordering in replaces dinners out.
But did you know that the recession is also causing many people to love within their means? Daters are becoming less picky about their relationships, and things that once seemed like deal breakers and nonnegotiable needs are being reconsidered. In the wake of the recession, LoveGeist researchers found that UK daters are moving away from a romantic, fairytale vision of love towards a more realistic frame of mind. As security becomes a priority, idealism is falling by the wayside, and daters no longer believe that Mr. or Mrs. Right will be a "perfect" match.
When asked if they have become increasingly fussy in the search for a long-term partner, 47% of respondents said "Yes," but an examination of the data shows that the opposite is more likely true. "Security," according to the Report, "shared values, and sexual/personal compatibility outrank physical attractiveness in terms of what daters consider to be the most important traits when looking for love," and more than 70% agree that their views on what makes a perfect partner have changed as they have aged ad matured.
Other data confirms this hypothesis:
LoveGeist's findings also suggest that singles in the UK are learning vital lessons from previous relationships that are influencing their current less idealistic approach to dating. "Rather than compromising and experiencing the same problems time and time again," says the Report, "there is a renewed sense of practicality. Some say they have learned to expect less from a partner, to tolerate the odd imperfection, some to share more and to be more adaptable with regard to their values. And a third want to be more open-minded in the future."
Relationship expert Kate Taylor sums up the new realistic approach to romance best:
"I think the age of austerity has encouraged us to look for love, and to keep love going. When life is easy, we can be tempted to dream of the IDEAL partner, the perfect person who'll never get on our nerves and who will always say the right thing. But when times are tough, we appreciate just having someone there to share the load. The bad economy is awful, but wonderful for love.... A combined struggle is marvellous for making you overlook faults and focus on what's important."
For more information on this popular dating site for singles in the United Kingdom you can read our Match.com UK review.