Before getting serious with a new partner, you may want to check their paystubs. According to new research, relationships are incompatible if there’s a $36,000 disparity in salary. Before getting serious with a new partner, you may want to check their paystubs. According to new research, relationships are incompatible if there’s a $36,000 disparity in salary.
The fascinating new statistic emerged in a new study of 2,000 single Americans examining all things dating including the role finances play when entering into a new relationship.
And it seems to play a fairly significant role, it turns out, as over half of Americans (53 percent) studied do feel it’s important to be on the same level financially as a romantic partner.
The new survey, conducted by online dating service Millionaire Match, also uncovered that 38 percent of Americans have actually had a had a relationship end because they weren’t on the same page financially with their partner.
But compatibility doesn't start and stop at money, of course.
The survey went on to reveal the biggest reasons relationships come to end and HAVING different expectations from the relationship was the clear winner, with 45 percent of respondents saying a previous relationship has ended for that reason.
Unfortunately, cheating was the second biggest reason with 41 percent of Americans having a relationship end because of some unfaithfulness. Not having time for each other (39 percent) rounded out the top three, with realizing the love was gone not close behind (39 percent).
That post-break-up blues is very real, it appears, as 69 percent of Americans say they go through a period of “hopelessness” directly after a relationship ends. The average length of that hopelessness stretch was also revealed to be five weeks -- just over a month.
“When you know the main reason for a relationship ending, it is especially important to be mindful of who you choose to date next,” said Katherine Zhang of Millionaire Match. “Millionaire Match’s successful membership model proves this. Similar economic conditions and mutually agreed upon values can tremendously help both sides get along.”
Dating can be rough, and according to the survey, an amazing 38 percent of single Americans have actually “given up” on dating.
Which is no surprise once you consider that in an average month of active dating, the average single American will endure six online matches they never actually talk to, four “ghosts,” six inappropriate and unwanted sexual messages, and four rejections.
That month also includes rejecting six people, thinking about giving up five times, but also meeting three people that they feel they could actually fall in love with.
The study also asked respondents what they felt the most important qualities in a potential person were. The most important? It’s not physical beauty.
The results showed that being funny and having a good sense of humor was the most important quality in a potential partner -- by a long shot.
“When we experience repeated frustrations, it is wise to choose a suitable place to turn a new leaf, otherwise, you will continue to waste your time,” continued Zhang. “Be more confident and expect more in the future -- you won’t be disappointed!”
TOP 10 BIGGEST REASONS RELATIONSHIPS HAVE ENDED
Different expectations from the relationship 45%
They cheated 41%
Didn’t have time for each other 39%
Realized I didn’t love them anymore 39%
Realized we were better as friends 39%
Argued too much 37%
They found someone else 34%
I found someone else 23%
Boredom 22%
We were too far apart geographically 22%
TOP 10 MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN A POTENTIAL PARTNER
Funny/good sense of humor 47%
Attractive 35%
Respectful 34%
Nice 26%
Mature 21%
Affectionate 19%
They turn you on 17%
Good conversationalist 17%
Well-off financially 15%
Down to earth 13%
