Single Americans name excessive debt, financial instability, and failing to respect boundaries among their top dating red flags. But recently, those looking for love are signaling that current economic uncertainty is raising a new concern: unemployment.
A recent survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults by matchmaking company Tawkify found that 29% of Americans say unemployment is a red flag.
Finances can weigh heavy when it comes to finding a partner, says Justin Lehmiller, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute for sex and relationship research and author of “Tell Me What You Want.”
Nearly three quarters, 72%, of Americans say the current economy makes it more difficult for them to pay their bills, according to a recent Lending Tree survey.
“There are all kinds of new stressors that seem to be popping up every day,” says Lehmiller.
“If you’re already struggling financially, getting involved with somebody who is struggling even more than you are can create a really difficult situation,” he says.
Losing your job, being unemployed, is something that can happen to anybody.
Justin Lehmiller
Senior research fellow, Kinsey Institute
Unemployment is more of a dealbreaker for some demographics than others. Twenty percent of women, for example, say unemployment is a red flag, versus just 10% of men.
Women may be more likely to prioritize status and resources simply because it provides more security for them and any children they might have, says Lehmiller.
He advises singles navigating dating amid all this economic uncertainty to keep an open mind: “I would caution against making employment status too big of a red flag.”
“Losing your job, being unemployed, is something that can happen to anybody,” he says. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a bad person or a bad relationship prospect.”
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