Half of single adults call out bad dating behaviors

By Lucy Brimble via SWNS

More than half of single adults feel empowered to call out bad dating behavior - as they find it frustrating and exhausting.

A poll of 4,000 UK-based singletons, who are actively dating, found 28 percent are tired of negative experiences when looking for love, while 33 percent get easily irritated.

Being ghosted without explanation (43 percent), getting stood up on a date (40 percent) and receiving unsolicited nude pictures (40 percent) are some of the main bugbears of those polled.

This has led to 44 percent doubting they will ever meet someone, while 35 percent say their confidence is negatively impacted.

As a result, 54 percent are ready to call out these unnecessary behaviors, with 74 percent planning a 'spring clean' to improve their overall dating experience.

Nearly half (49 percent) point to 'knowing their self-worth' as the reason they are comfortable calling out undesirable dating behaviors.

And 26 percent will be un-matching or unfollowing any potential love interests if they don’t fit the bill.

The research was commissioned by dating app, Plenty of Fish, which has partnered with author and life coach, Michelle Elman, to create the ‘Desirable Dating Guide.'

It shares advice on how singles can tackle undesirable dating behaviors and engineer more positive experiences.

Michelle Elman said: “Helping daters understand and navigate different behaviors on their dating journey is something I’m really passionate about, which is why I’ve partnered with Plenty of Fish, to create the Desirable Dating Guide.

"The guide highlights some of the negative behaviors and experiences that can occur in the dating world, while also shining a light on how singles can enact some positive change.

"We’re encouraging daters to reflect on their experiences, and hope to foster a culture where online dating is both respectful and rewarding, and offer advice for how people can show up as their best, authentic selves while on the journey.”

Receiving unsolicited nude pictures proves a prevalent issue, as nearly half of singles (48 percent) have previously been sent unsolicited pictures from a match or date - making them feel uncomfortable and disgusted (45 percent).

The average app user has received an average of five nude pictures in their dating history, with this happening more to women (55 percent), than men (38 percent).

Taking matters into their own hands, 46 percent will now always trust their instincts and immediately end the conversation if they have any doubts about their match.

What’s more, 19 percent will share a potential date’s details with friends and family in advance, according to the study, carried out via OnePoll.

But 69 percent would like to see dating apps continue to do more to encourage positive behaviors - with 72 percent of women feeling this way.

One of the top ways singles are spring-cleaning their love life is to be kind and respectful to anyone they come into contact with, making sure the experience remains positive (47 percent).

And 44 percent will represent themselves in a true and authentic way, while 38 percent will make sure their profile is as accurate as possible.

Other personal improvements to be made include exercising more regularly (58 percent), getting more sleep (55 percent) and prioritizing self-care (52 percent).

As 82 percent agree the benefits of self-improvement can lead to greater self-awareness and success when dating.

To further combat this problem, Plenty of Fish is launching the ‘Share My Date’ feature for users to share key details of their date with a trusted contact.

Shannon Smith, resident dating expert for the dating app, said: “Providing a welcoming dating destination for singles is of the utmost importance to us.

“The realities of dating can bring lots of highs and lows, but we believe it should be a fun experience. Dating is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and get out of your comfort zone.

“We created the Desirable Dating Guide to continue important conversations in dating and remind singles that they should never accept less than they deserve while looking for love.”