#USA #Gen Z #Las Vegas #Millennials #Seeking

Emotional Intelligence in the New Dating Era

In an era where digital dating is flooded with filters and curated personas, a recent survey by Seeking® has unveiled a notable shift in the dating preferences of Gen Z and Millennials. The findings demonstrate that these young singles are increasingly prioritizing emotional intelligence and kindness over looks in their quest for romance.

According to the survey, which included responses from 2,000 U.S. daters, emotional maturity and kindness now take precedence as the primary traits sought after in potential partners, surpassing even the previously favored sense of humor and physical appearance. This restructuring of priorities indicates a broader trend towards valuing genuine connections and long-term compatibility over fleeting attraction.

The Shift Driven by Honesty

One of the most striking revelations of the survey is the emphasis placed on radical honesty among young daters. Gen Z women are at the forefront of this change; approximately one-third express a willingness to discuss their dealbreakers during the very first date, with another 22% preferring to unveil such insights beforehand. Interestingly, the trend is not limited to women, as almost half of all respondents plan to broach dealbreakers by the first encounter.

Dana Rosewall and Brandon Wade, Co-CEOs of Seeking®, summarize the sentiments of this generation succinctly when they state, "People think it's chemistry, but often, it's just two individuals lying to impress one another. True chemistry begins with honesty." This notion echoes throughout the survey, as 42% of singles believe that emotional connection is the enduring spark that truly defines a lasting relationship, vastly overshadowing physical chemistry or common lifestyles.

Heightened Awareness of Intentions

The survey also highlights a growing skepticism towards dating intentions, with over 80% of respondents believing that many individuals lie about what they seek in relationships. In a notable departure from the norm, 66% of Gen Z daters even admit to conducting online research on their dates before meeting, reflecting a commitment to transparency that appears to be reshaping the dating landscape.

Dealing with personal dealbreakers has become a non-negotiable for many, as evidenced by the statistic that more than a third (36%) of singles would terminate a relationship over poor communication. This sentiment is especially strong among women, with 50% deeming it a dealbreaker, compared to only 29% of men.

Priorities Have Changed

When it comes to characteristics that matter most in a long-term partner, only 18% of singles rank physical attraction at the top of their list. In contrast, 35% identify shared life goals—such as marriage and children—as their primary focus. While nearly 25% of participants state that they would not date anyone earning less than them, 68% confirm that financial status does not ultimately influence their decisions. Instead, qualities like ambition, generosity, and shared values hold more weight than a mere bank balance.

A New Chapter in Dating

In conclusion, the era of mind games, ghosting, and superficial interactions is rapidly drawing to a close. A new generation of daters is confidently vocalizing their desires and making space for authenticity in their relationships. To further promote this culture of honesty, Seeking® is launching an interactive feature on Snapchat called the Truth Booth, designed to encourage users to reflect on their transparency regarding love, lifestyle, and relationship aspirations.

About Seeking®: Established in 2006, Seeking® is the leading luxury dating platform, serving millions of members who appreciate ambition, alignment of lifestyles, and straightforward communication in relationships. Catering to over 56 million users across more than 130 countries, Seeking® provides an empowering space for individuals seeking meaningful connections that resonate with their standards.