Singles Find the Rules of Dating are Changing

All News Wire ^ | April 01, 2011 | Michelle Smart

[TheDingoAteMyBaby]

Match.com has released the results of a new study examining the dating habits and behaviors of the 105 million single adults in America. One third of the population of the United States is single, and this means the dating process involves people from all age groups, backgrounds and personal beliefs. The study involved 5,000 singles from around the country to discover the real procedures and rules of dating in this day and age.

The results show that while traditional dating rules are still followed, other changes have occurred. New developments like social networking tools and online dating have made it commonplace to “friend” a potential date as a way to signal interest. Post-date communication is often handled through texting instead of a phone call, and young singles tend to avoid contact if they aren’t ready for a second date. Older singles are entering the online dating game, but they are more cautious of meeting someone they’ve connected with through a website.

Women and men both still feel that men should take the initiative to ask for a date, but 41% of women are comfortable with picking up the check for a first date. A third of both genders agree that you can measure the chemistry and connection between two people within 15 minutes, but only 12% would actually leave at that point in the date. Half of all women surveyed still want men to make the call after a first date, but only 6% of men are doing so within the first 24 hours.

64% of daters feel that post-date communication can be handled through emails and texts, but 80% still think phone conversations are best. Men introduce dates to their friends much sooner than women do, regardless of the age of the singles.

[day10]

It STINKS being the nice guy. I feel your pain there.

[Shimmer1]

Congrats on your wise choice in wives. Too many men i could potentially date SAY that what you got is what they want, but they invariably choose the troubled drama queen. ugh!

[Shimmer1]

I live in a rural area, but dream of one day of running into a FReeper and hitting it off. Everyone needs to wear a FReeper T shirt so we’ll recognize each other, right?
My Mr. Right has to at least fit in here to be the kind of man I want to find. LOL

I recently joined the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) in other words renaissance reenacting, and am treated so nicely, so courtly, I want that too.

[JimRed]

There were RULES? Who knew???

But nearly 38 years out of the dating market IS a long time...

8^)

[JimRed]

...all the potential available suitable female targets in town, and I don't do much traveling to potential hunting areas.

Maybe getting out of attack mode would be helpful?

8^)

[Ellendra]

We are both awesome!

(And I promise, no cat-fighting! Although if you find a really good one I might ask if he has a brother :p )

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Let’s make that work both ways, shall we? Maybe a father/son thing, too - I mean, you’re quite a bit younger than me. That could work! :)

[LuvFreeRepublic]

You described many women, no doubt. I am unique in that I am kind-hearted, down to earth, mellow unless you tick me off, polite, great credit, financial independent, no job and I have kids. I am not looking for anyone to raise my kids, that's my job. I also don't let just any man into the lives of my kids. There are lots of men that I would not allow to go anywhere near my kids. I do choose wisely.

[Ellendra]

Deal!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

You are one smart cookie! Nothing annoys me more than women who put their love life before their kids; normally endangering their kids! *SHUDDER*

I’m in your camp; financially secure, a good person all the way around...but I’ve made a HUGE ‘romantic mistake’ and recently shed a really horrible husband from my life. It wasn’t easy, but it had to be done. He’s hellbent on ruining himself, and I’m no longer along for the ride. Thanks goodness I had the strength and support system to do this!

The future is wide open...and very exciting! Best of luck to you in all of your endeavors. Keep up the good work and NEVER settle for less than you deserve, FRiend! :)

[LuvFreeRepublic]

lol, I am familiar with some of your post Diana and with the exception of some Green Bay Packer comments, we are so much alike. I too have shed a horrible husband and I am very excited about the future. As far as dating, I have no problem getting a date. Kinda of scary to know I ain't so bad, lol. I love when a guy says or thinks kids are baggage and that all women with kids are after a meal ticket. They have said loud and clear they are selfish and total losers. See ya!! Some men are less obvious, but it doesn't take long to see these men for what they are. I am not looking for a father or a meal ticket, and I will find the guy that I deserve. I am sure you will too. All my best to you Diana.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Thanks! We Sistahs are doin’ it for ourselves these days! I have a few girlfriends that would be LOST without a man in their lives, but I’m finding this a refreshing change! I know myself well enough to know that I’ll couple-up again in the long run, but I’m SO ready to bust loose, I can’t hardly stand it, LOL!

Must be Spring’s arrival that’s got my juices flowing again! Man, my life SUCKED for waaay too long! Never again. :)

[LucyT]

[Fred Nerks]

LOL! on the internet, no one knows you are a dog!

[LucyT]

[Slings and Arrows]

Woof.

(Damn.)

[TSgt]

LOL! Spit water through my nose on that one!

Ha!

[null and void]

Except for meeeee. ;D

I can vouch for that.

But I must note that you are not "in a large, metropolitan area"...

[null and void]

My baggage seems to be my lack of baggage. What I mean is, it’s pretty odd to be in your mid-thirties and have never had a boyfriend/girlfriend or any kind of dating experience.

Are you an engineer?

[null and void]

Sooooo, you raise chickens?