New research from Match, the dating app for real relationships, today reveals that a huge 62% of single Brits believe that going on dates and talking to potential matches makes them feel more accomplished, boosting not only their confidence (58%) but their social skills (48%) too.
While it’s only natural to understand that not every date will lead to true love, nearly half of Brits (49%) believe there’s always something positive you can take away from the dating process – successful or not. Whether it’s clarity on what you’re really looking for in a committed relationship (31%), the opportunity to practise self-love (15%), or simply a funny anecdote to look back on and share with your friends and family (19%). In fact, 13% of single Brits admit to trading on past date experiences as a funny conversation starter with a new potential partner.
The top 10 benefits of dating, according to singles include:
- The chance to find love (42%)
- Having fun (41%)
- Opportunity to meet new people (39%)
- Boosted confidence (28%)
- Creates social connection (27%)
- Positively pushes me out of my comfort zone (24%)
- Boost of excitement (23%)
- Enhancing communication skills (23%)
- Creating lasting memories (21%)
- Opportunity to learn more about myself (17%)
“As much as singles can sometimes find dates nerve-wracking, with the right mindset, dates (good and bad) can equally turn out to be positive, life affirming experiences. Even if you don’t have a romantic connection on a date, it can still be a great way to develop your social skills, build your confidence, and ultimately help to clarify what you really want from a long-term relationship.”
Match’s dating expert, Hayley Quinn
Dating can also have a positive impact on self-esteem and body image with double the amount of women (13%) vs men (6%) reporting that dating helped them to feel beautiful.
Almost 1 in 5 (17%) reported feeling an adrenaline rush on a first date, with 29% agreeing that the first-date jitters are worth it in order to find a real, genuine connection. For many, the first date apprehension simply added to the excitement (17%).
Some of the other often-forgotten about benefits to dating include finding a lasting friendship through the process of dating (14%) – something that is an important foundation for 35% of those looking for love.
Hayley continues;
“Rather than staying in at home, getting out of the house to meet new people can really give you a feeling of accomplishment. Both socialising and physical activity promote the release of endorphins, so going out on a date has a real feel-good factor. And even if a date doesn’t go to plan, successfully negotiating this social interaction, and saying “no” to an opportunity that isn’t right for you, can equally boost your self-esteem. Love starts with us, and our dating experiences help to shape the person we are and prepare us for a real, committed relationship. Plus, even if it’s not true love, any date can be a funny story to share on another occasion, perhaps with someone who you connect with more!”
