Ask the readers: Does income level serve a purpose with online dating profile?
‘œBefore you get involved in a relationship or anything, FICO first, then sex.’ ‘“ Suze Orman on Oprah
In a Match.com survey, 84 percent of singles admitted they are more selective about who they date in hard economic times.
Whatever it is you’re looking for in a date – tall, dark and handsome, a good sense of humor, long walks on the beach ‘“ forget it. The latest criteria for a good match may just be good credit.
The number of people searching for the perfect date during this recession is going up, but with most Americans concerned about their own finances, more and more are focusing on their mate’s bottom-line.
One might conclude that the same qualities that contribute to a higher income (e.g. ambition, independence, creativity, and intelligence) are characteristics that make you more attractive to a potential date. Of course, financial beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but apparently the eye is on the prowl for dollar signs.
What do you think? Does income level serve a purpose with one’s online dating profile? And how does career and credit score play into a successful relationship?
Photo credit: Flikcr brothersoft on Flickr.
My match was on myspace 🙂 Those dating sites want an arm and leg for finding a whole person. Dating costs money. So they should be asking how far are you willing to spend to find and keep a siginficant other. Being single sounds pretty cheap and effective.
I think money absolutely plays a role in someone’s online profile and dating eligibility. I met my partner through Yahoo personals. Both of us were paid members. I found that the people who were willing to pay for their profiles were more serious about being in a relationship. People who didn’t pay for their profiles were really just looking to hook up.
I wrote a post for Bilerico last year about online dating. In my opinion, if you can’t describe yourself in 3-4 sentences and you don’t bother to spell check or use proper punctuation, we don’t have anything to talk about.
Tough Question.
If someone who makes considerably less than you shows interest I think you would unwillingly have in the back of your mind the question of “Is this a Gold Digger?”
Whereas on the opposite side would someone who doesn’t make much money suddenly have someone who does show interest have the thought “They’re just looking for a toy to use and throw away.”
Even if they didn’t ask the question big differences in income would become apparent immediately on first meeting…clothes, car, jewelry, even the suggested place to eat will often denote an income level.
I think it speaks to a balance of power in the relationship. I would much rather date someone who can match my modest income than someone unemployed – that’s just asking for trouble. I’m looking for someone who can keep up with my lifestyle and who I won’t be required to support financially. It breeds problems on every level.
I think the root of the issue though is the value system behind the income. As a teacher, I don’t make a ton of money, but I am frugal with it. If I were dating someone who made much less or much more but they had similar money values, it would make for a smoother relationship. Having a saver and a spendthrift where the incomes are very different is a recipe for disaster.
Such is the challenge of being single in today’s economic times! Money of course, is one of the big 3, when it comes to relationships: sex, money and communication (or in laws, depending on who you ask), so ignoring the issue of money could be a mistake.
While on one hand we hear so many getting ‘easy bankruptcies’ and such, in reality, employers, lenders (and now even insurance companies) are scrutinizing more and more at credit histories, when it comes to hiring, promotions, your premium amounts, etc. It all adds up!
I think it’s very important to assess if someone you are seriously considering becoming life partners with has a history of moderate to severe financial problems. That IS a red flag. At least decide if you are willing to take that on (the potential consequences).
Especially now, when lesbians can marry their partner, it is wise to consider each partner’s ‘financial fitness’ going in. In some cases for example, by marrying someone you may become liable, to some degree, for their financial habits.
I agree that money is certainly an issue, but I think income level is in some ways less important that financial fitness. If you make half as much as me but spend your money wisely and have savings, I’m much more interested in dating you than if you make twice as much as me and blow it all, have bad credit or are in debt. The way people handle money speaks volumes about their integrity, patience, maturity, self control and more.