Dallas – September 15, 2026 -- Match released its 15th annual Singles in America study, surveying roughly 5,000 U.S. singles between March and April 2026 in partnership with researchers from The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University.
Most singles remain open to love despite being selective
Seventy-two percent of respondents said they are interested in or open to dating or a relationship. Just 16% are actively seeking a committed relationship, while 45% say they aren't actively looking but would welcome the right person. Openness skews younger: 81% of Gen Z and 78% of Millennials are interested in dating, compared with 69% of Gen X and 55% of Boomers.
Belief in lasting love persists across generations
Seventy-six percent of singles believe romantic love can last forever, 74% believe some relationships are meant to be, and 61% believe in a soulmate for everyone. Sixty-two percent believe in love at first sight, and 47% say they've experienced it. Seven in 10 Boomers value small daily acts of affection over grand gestures, while 52% of Gen Z prefer big romantic gestures.
Nearly half have fallen for someone outside their 'type'
Forty-nine percent of singles say they've fallen for someone they weren't initially attracted to, and among those who keep a mental checklist for an ideal partner, 46% say someone broke that mold anyway. Great conversation (47%), shared interests (41%) and shared values (35%) were the top reasons attraction grew over time. Forty-one percent said they'd consider a second date even after an unexciting first one.
Emotional safety now outranks passion for many singles
When forced to choose, singles picked peace and emotional safety over passion and excitement by more than two to one (34% vs. 14%). Among women, the gap widened to 40% vs. 9%. Feeling respected (61%), feeling listened to (56%) and being able to share feelings without judgment (54%) topped the list of what makes a partner feel emotionally safe.
Talking about money is now seen as a trust builder
Seventy-one percent of singles said openness about money builds trust in a relationship, and 70% said they're open to a prenup or similar agreement. Eighty-nine percent agreed both partners should share equally in financial decisions, while 56% said they could still fall for someone with different financial habits than their own.
"There's an interesting tension in the data: singles today have clear expectations for a partner, but love still has the ability to surprise them," said Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University.