Survey Finds the Pandemic Changed Single People’s Attitudes About Relationships

Only a small percentage of traditional college students are married. A new survey by Singles in America identifies changing attitudes on what is important to unmarried men and women when they are seeking a partner.

This year, for the first time ever in the survey’s history, there was a drop in singles’ preference for physical attractiveness, while preference for partner traits like being open-minded and accepting increased. After any traumatic period such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people often look for partners who are stabilizing. This psychological effect leads singles to surround themselves with people and social contexts that make them feel genuinely safe.

Only 78 percent of survey respondents said they wanted a partner who was physically attractive compared to 90 percent in the previous survey. In contrast, 84 percent of respondents were looking for some who “they can trust and confide in” and who “they can communicate their wants and needs to.” Some 83 percent wanted a partner who was “emotionally mature.”

The survey found that 42 percent of male singles were looking for a long-term relationship compared to only 29 percent of single women. Men were found to be more open to having a long-distance relationship with someone who lives three or more hours away than women (38% vs. 29%). Men also reported that they are more likely to believe they could fall in love over a video date (41% vs. 30% for women.) The survey also found that men are also open to second chances. Men are willing to go on a second date with someone even if the first isn’t exciting (43% vs. 31% women).