Hot Trends in Dating

Hot Trends in Dating

Author: Nancy H. Wall, PhD

Except for China and India, the US has more single adults than any other nation in the world. According to the US Census Bureau, the Singles’ market consists of over 110 million adults, ages 20-60. In 2004 the percentage of total unmarried men and women exceeded 50%, and Florida ranked 4th, with approximately 5.6 million Singles. Multiple factors contribute to this number, including the increasing divorce rate, increasing average age of first marriages, and more individuals just choosing to remain unmarried.

Singles spend about $1.6 trillion annually, which accounts for 35.1% of the total annual consumer expenditures. 32.9 million Singles live alone, and make up 49.8%, or almost half, of the nation’s consumer units. 55.8 million US households are occupied by unmarried Americans, and about 42% of the nation’s workforce is single, based on Unmarried America and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Today’s Singles are taking more responsibility and accountability for their dating lives. Popular trends include working out at the gym, visiting tanning salons, dieting, and engaging with fashion and beauty consultants. Singles desire to feel more attractive, and are taking action to increase their odds of meeting the right mate.

Singles continue to explore online dating services, especially niche sites, though only about 5% of visitors are

actually “paying” customers. These targeted sites are becoming more popular, as they promote similar interests and backgrounds. Some of these sites include Seniorfriendfinder.com, Farmersonly.com, Gk2Gk.com, JDate.com, Deafsinglesconnection.com, Singlechefs.com, Singleparentmingle.com, and 1stserve.com.

There are numerous pros and cons regarding online dating, and many stories to be told. Some positive features of online dating include: 24x7 availability, opportunity to build a global social network, relatively inexpensive access, free anonymous email accounts (which reduce the fear of rejection), and criteria to search common backgrounds and interests. Some negative features of online dating include: outdated pictures, dishonesty and misrepresentation of profile criteria (such as marital and socioeconomic status, age, weight, etc.), as well as safety concerns when meeting strangers. (Note: The State of New Jersey has instituted the NJ Internet Dating Safety Act, for sites to disclose criminal background screening practices and offer safer dating tips.)

Personality profile services are being offered to Singles by companies such as eHarmony.com and chemistry.com, to assist in the search for relationships. Few studies support the success of these venues, as true chemistry cannot be identified online. Singles are also attending speed dating events, both live and online, with companies such as speeddate.com, and cupid.com.

As Singles search for more effective ways to find honesty and commitment in relationships, they are now hiring life coaches and matchmakers for assistance. Life coaches help clients identify and attain their desired goals, by focusing on where the client is today, and where one wishes to be tomorrow. Many informed, proactive Singles are turning to Matchmakers. Matchmakers offer professional, personalized, confidential services, as a safe and efficient alternative to help Singles find true love.

Are YOU taking responsibility and accountability for your dating life? What are YOU doing to actively and genuinely promote yourself? Congratulations on taking YOUR next step!

Tampa Bay MatchMakers offers both life coaching and matchmaking services to single professionals in the Tampa Bay area. To find out more about personalized matching, life coaching, and interactive workshops, or to schedule your complimentary consultation, call (813) 907-0410 or visit us at Tampa Bay MatchMakers.

About the Author
For over 20 years, Dr. Wall has been instrumental in designing and facilitating adult education programs for major corporations, universities, community colleges, and the Tampa Jewish Family Services. Prior to starting Tampa Bay MatchMakers, she formed the Tampa Jewish Singles Network, a workshop series which provided education, information, and support for single parents and their children.

Dr. Wall earned her PhD in Adult Education from the University of South Florida, an MBA from Crummer Graduate School/Rollins College, a BS in Psychology from Duke University, and certifications in Project Management from George Washington University, Life Coaching from Coach Training Alliance, and Matchmaking from the Matchmaking Institute in New York.

Visit: Tampa Bay MatchMakers