I was doing my daily Google search when I discovered a new dating study (surprise!) by UKDating.com…apparently, the average woman dates 24 men before she finds the “right” one.
The first thing I thought when I read this statistic was…huh? Only 24? I’ve dated 24 people in a night if you count speed dating. And only 1% of those polled admitted to dating up to 80 men before settling down.
The purpose of the report was to show how much money people spend on dating…apparently you can put a price on true love! Or maybe, trying to find it…
They found that the average woman spends $3000 in dating-related costs. What this means is that the fake tan, hair styling, new dress, drinks, and gas money spent per date adds up. Although I did save money on the fake tan because my skin looks creepy and orange if I use the bottled stuff, so I never do the fake tan thing. Anyway, the study doesn’t take into account all the times I’ve footed the bill for the guy.
But to be clear, I’ve apparently spent more than $3000, because I’ve been on WAY more than 24 dates.
You see, I guess my dating track record is kind of…um…eventful. What I mean is, I’ve been on a few more than 24. More like 240 as a conservative estimate. I started online dating over 10 years ago. I hosted speed dating events for 6 years. I’ve met a lot of dudes. I’m not sure if I agree with the theory of “dating is a numbers game”, although I subscribed to it for most of my adult life, obviously.
The thing is, I’m not ashamed that I dated so many men. Maybe it didn’t help me in eventually finding the right one, but maybe it did. I have learned more about myself. I have managed to stay hopeful even during the worst dating periods (save those for later). I have come to enjoy a lot of “me” time. My friends are a huge part of my life. I’ve come to see men and women on equal ground when it comes to dating…that is, for all the weird experiences I’ve had, I know that the guys have had their share of crazy women. The crazy dates were much easier to laugh at and move on, compared to the boring dates, or the ones where I waited by my cell phone for the next text.
So, I guess I’m in the hole about $30,000 at least. I could have put a down payment on a house for the amount of dating I did. But, I’m glad I am not stuck with the mortgage on that house. The money was better spent in learning about men and women. The stuff they don’t teach you in school, and my parents certainly didn’t teach me growing up.
So, thanks to all of my previous dates out there. Oh, and you owe me a drink.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
I saw that study and thought the same thing, only 24?? But then one of my followers commented, “Oh, no, do I have to date this many before finding the one?” She must be very young. I wonder if they mean 24 in a lifetime or 24 after your last relationship…
I too am well over the 24-mark, and the third to last paragraph here – about learning about yourself and finding the positives in being single – really struck a chord. I’m so more comfortable now, after my 24+ dates, with being single, and it’s going to take someone pretty special to entice me out of my singledom.
*Plentymorefishoutofwater – One Man’s Dating Diary*
Well I am on the fence re a numbers game. Logically it makes sense and of course having a strategy is smart and increases your odds.
However I also believe that a certain amount is beyond our control. I honestly believe that it was part of the greater (God’s) plan for my life to have a long time being single thus becoming an issue so I would be right here right now to help others.
Now that I am doing this, of course I believe that the one is there!!! Manifest already 🙂
All good, loving life and trusting that as we learn the lessons we need to learn, we move on to the next phase of what we need to learn.
Either way – makes life interesting… Enjoy!
I think $3,000 is WAY too low!!!
Dinners, movies, clothes, grooming products, magazines. Trips.
Other possible expenses by guys: Nice car, accessories, joining clubs to meet women, gym, classes, etc. etc.
And once you find “THE ONE” it actually gets more expensive, but at least it’s a lot more fun.
I never thought about the amount I spend on a date, but I do have to agree with One of The Guys, $3,000 that’s not even 50% of that amount.
It doesn’t matter whether It’s the last date or the first in a long adventure, I will make sure for it to be unforgettable.
Thanks for the comments!
Singlegirlie—I’m hoping 24 between relationships. Unless the people they studied married at 22.
Fishy—yeah, since you are now escaping out of loos to avoid dates. I think you should marry Tina Fey. Oh wait, she’s already married.
CAthy J—I believe there is something to destiny, but I think we create our own. Can you imagine your soulmate being surly, bitter, and/or a douche, but you have to love him because he’s supposed to be your soulmate? I think we attract people to us based on our energy and what we put out there.
OneoftheGuys–I totally agree, $3000 seemed like a bargain! Sigh…
Kelly
Laughter is good and I did laugh at your comments above!
Of course we create our destiny to a large extent and I for one am doing everything I can to lighten/heighten my energy!!! btw he is amazing – loving, affectionate, supportive, his own man in many ways while still grateful for his blessings in life and he realises that his life is a gift not to be wasted (he is not a douche!!!)
This post sparked an idea for me. I gave you some props on our site. I hope that’s OK.
Have a good day.
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