Stat: Romance and dating on the decline in the US

US – A June 2023 study by romance publisher Harlequin reveals a decline in romance and dating in the US since the pandemic. The research comprised two surveys involving 2,000 unmarried adults and 681 self-identified romance readers and revealed that 46% of unmarried adults are not dating at all, with 30% already in relationships. In addition, 77% of single adults say they have not been on one date in the past month, while 18% have been on one or two dates.

Despite reduced dating activity, the study also shows that 57% of adult respondents believe they can achieve happiness with or without a long-term partner, with women (63%) more likely to agree with that statement than men (51%). Furthermore, 55% associate happiness with surrounding themselves with friends and family.

The study highlights a shift in attitudes to romance and relationships, indicating a broader societal transformation in the perception of happiness and fulfilment. It also suggests an upending of current ideas we have of family, a topic we explore in Family in 2050.