Russians named the main criteria for choosing a partner on the first date

Among the Russians surveyed, 21% have ever run away from a first date, and yet most of them do not regret it. This is stated in the results of a study of the Teamo dating service, which was reviewed by Izvestia on May 29. The respondents described what they pay attention to when meeting a new acquaintance.

Another 25% admitted that they would really like to leave right away, but did not dare. At the same time, 48% are patient and sit out to the end, and 6% admitted that they were most likely the reason for the flight of others.

Experts noted that regional peculiarities influence dating behavior. For example, in Siberia, the study participants more often mentioned directness and honesty as the norm: if there is no sympathy, they will say so directly. At the same time, in the central part of Russia, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg, they often try to sit to the end or "escape" with a call from a friend.

Most often, on a first date, Russians do not tolerate when a person does not match the declared photos in person, for example, because he used other people's pictures or filters (24%). Obsession and strange behavior are also deterred (21%). An unpleasant smell was noted by 12%, and 11% are irritated by an untidy appearance. For 9% of respondents, a boring and unintelligent interlocutor completely kills the desire to continue communication. Also, 8% find constant conversations about exes tiresome, and 4% worry about height incompatibility.

Tatiana Lyubina, a psychologist at the Teamo dating service, clarified that the first date is often influenced by high expectations.

"We are not dealing with a person, but with an image that we have created based on correspondence, photos and fantasies. Therefore, when in reality we encounter a different behavior, voice, and manner of speaking, it can cause cognitive dissonance. I advise you to pay attention to factors like smell: if you are not attracted to your partner's scent, perhaps your body is signaling that you are not suitable for each other," she recommended.

Love networks: can AI partners supplant real-life relationships

Chatbots allow you to customize the appearance and character traits of your interlocutor

At the same time, the majority of respondents (65%) admitted that they go on dates rarely, about once every few months. Only about 4% meet almost every week, while 14% meet once or twice a month.

Speaking about how long it takes to figure out that a person is suitable, half of Russians (49%) said that it takes them just over five minutes to make a conclusion. A quarter gives a chance to a person in the first one to five minutes. At the same time, 27% react almost instantly — in the first 30 seconds or even less.

As the psychologist explained, a quick assessment on the first date is the result of the subconscious mind. People make intuitive decisions based on non-verbal cues, similarities to previous experiences, and even micro-expressions.

"However, it is worth remembering that such assessments are prone to errors: stress, embarrassment or temperament can create a false impression. Therefore, the ideal balance is to give time for observation, but not ignore the first internal signals," Lyubina added.

On the first date, Russians, as the study showed, first of all pay attention to how a person speaks and conducts a dialogue (49%). 22% identified appearance as the main factor. Intelligence and erudition are in third place (16%). 12% appreciate a sense of humor, and only 1% admitted that financial status can affect their liking.

At the same time, 45% of Russians noted that they continue to believe in love at first sight, despite possible disappointments. Another 40% believe that it is quite possible to experience strong sympathy in seconds, but it is more passion than love. Only 15% admitted that they did not believe in "chemistry" at the first meeting.

Earlier, on May 13, it was reported that 56.7% of Russians believe in meeting with a partner to create a family in dating services. At the same time, for 83% of respondents, when choosing a partner, their values are the main factor. 37.3% are looking for a partner with traditional views, while 49.8% are ready to compromise. This is stated in the results of a study by the team of the dating app "For love".