(NewsNation) — In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, a recent survey conducted by Shiny Smile Veneers sheds light on Americans’ dating preferences, revealing the pitfalls to avoid and the cities where love seems elusive.
Slightly over 1,300 Americans, ranging in age from 18 to 76, participated in the survey. The respondents were 50% female, 48% male and 2% nonbinary individuals.
Among the top deal-breakers nationwide are poor hygiene, racism and self-absorption. While preferences vary, these qualities emerged as universally offputting for Americans seeking love.
However, love sometimes knows no bounds, with over half of respondents admitting to lowering their standards for the right person. Attraction plays a significant role, as many are willing to overlook deal-breakers if captivated by a potential partner’s charm.
Behavior also plays a crucial role in shaping romantic connections. Rude treatment of staff or employees in public is a major deal-breaker for 90% of respondents, highlighting the importance of respect in relationships.
Intriguingly, personal interests can also sway the course of romance. The top two interests that are deal-breakers for Americans have to do with OnlyFans — 98% say it’s a deal-breaker if the person they’re dating either watches or posts on OnlyFans.
Other interests that complete the top five deal-breakers are gambling, listening to the Joe Rogan podcast and liking guns.
Apart from deal-breakers, dating red flags also play a crucial role in navigating relationships. A red flag isn’t always an immediate deal-breaker. In fact, only 20% stop dating someone after they’ve been shown one red flag. But for those who do let the red flag fizzle out of their romance, 50% end the relationship either immediately after or a few days later.
The three biggest red flags on a first date were not asking get-to-know-you questions, being constantly on their phone and talking about their ex.
The top cities where it’s hardest to find someone to date with no red flags are Seattle, Fort Worth and Nashville.
Blank bios, photos with filters and wedding photos were the biggest red flags on a dating profile.
The study also highlighted the prevalence of “ghosting,” a phenomenon where communication abruptly ceases, leaving the other party in limbo. Lack of interest, avoidance of confrontation and perceived offenses were cited as common reasons for ghosting.
