Dating? Gen X claim to have higher standards than other generations

It takes less than 20 minutes for the average American to know if they want a second date, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 single Americans (who are dating and/or looking for a partner) revealed the average respondent knows whether or not they’d like to see someone again at the 19-minute mark of their first date.

That may vary by age, too, as older respondents have higher standards for a potential partner — 67% of Gen Zers said they have high standards, while 77% of Gen X said the same.

When it comes to the date itself, physical appearance is important to 44% of respondents, but a greater value is placed on manners (51%), personality (48%) and conversational skills (47%).

Commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by OnePoll, results found that while conversational skills are valued, the specific topics of conversation can be a red flag.

Results found 53% would be turned off if someone brought up sex on a first date, with younger respondents more likely to agree (56% of Gen Z vs. 39% of Gen X).

Religion and exes were also revealed to be taboo topics for a first date, with about half the panel finding them to be a red flag (51% and 47% respectively).

The survey looked beyond first dates and delved into partner compatibility, especially when it comes to sustainability.

Seventy-four percent of respondents are more likely to go on a first date with someone if they’re thought to be sustainable. And 44% have discussed environmental issues while on a first date.

The survey found 82% think it’s important to have a sustainable partner, and 76% find being environmentally friendly an attractive trait in a partner.

“Sustainability is sexy,” said Jessica Hann, Avocado’s Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing and Sustainability. “It’s an important core value, and sharing values is essential to compatibility and seeing a future with someone.”

Seventy-two percent of respondents believe when couples have a shared commitment to sustainability, they’re more likely to have a successful relationship.

But the survey also found that 43% of respondents have “eco-shamed” their partner — calling them out for wasteful or environmentally-unfriendly behavior.

And despite people seeking out sustainable partners, the survey also revealed that 45% have caught their partner sneakily doing something that isn’t eco-friendly.

“Nobody likes a greenwasher,” said Hann. “It’s on each of us to follow through and make the choices that actually support our values — like taking care of our planet.”

WHAT’S CONTRIBUTED TO THE ENDING OF A RELATIONSHIP?

Clinginess — 43%

Overuse of social media — 42%

Poor hygiene — 42%

Lack of/differing sense of humor — 41%

Being too obsessed with their pet — 40%

Poor manners — 38%

Not liking a specific food — 35%

Being too talkative — 31%

Being too messy — 25%

Never washing the dishes — 18%

Never cooking meals — 14%

Not being reliable — 14%

Being too competitive — 13%

Being too negative — 13%

Lied about something — 13%

Rude to waitstaff — 13%

My pet didn’t like them — 12%

Bad sex — 12%

They didn’t care about being sustainable — 11%

Not willing to change — 11%

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 single Americans (who are dating and/or looking for a partner) was commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress between May 4 and May 9, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).