Personality beats prosperity in the dating game ~ 42 per cent of single people rate wit over wealth when making a snap decision ~
The size of your bank balance is the least attractive trait when it comes to online dating.
According to a survey of 1,000 singles by Internet dating site yesnomayB.co.uk, those demonstrating personality and humour are more likely to receive a ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ from a prospective love match, than those citing fashion sense, a good body or a pretty/handsome face.
Just two per cent believed money makes the best first impression, compared to an overwhelming 42 per cent of respondents that put personality in the number one slot and a healthy 22 per cent voting for sense of humour.
And don’t think you can dress to impress if you can’t talk the talk – the next characteristic least likely to woo a potential date was fashion sense, with just seven per cent of the vote.
“Those who ‘flash their cash’ seem to instantly drop down the list of possible partners, whereas an honest smile and sparkly eyes often is the secret for success,” said Amanda Tsinonis, co-founder of yesnomayB.co.uk – a dating site where large, ‘lifestyle’ photos portray members for who they really are.
“We all love someone with a good personality but these results show that it’s critical in making first impressions too. The trick is making sure your online dating profile – and picture – gets the message across. In real life, when people meet, the decision is instant – yes, no or maybe. Why should online dating be any different?”
The study also uncovered hidden divisions between men and women. While, on average, sense of humour was the second most important factor in a good first impression, almost three times more women voted for that trait than men. Also, twice as many women than men cited fashion sense as important.
“It seems the stereotypes for males and females looking for love persist into the 21st century,” added Tsinonis. “For example, clothes and a sense of humour seem to be the critical mix for women on the look-out for a man. “
“From our experience, online daters who dress well, smile and reveal a little personality in their main profile photo make the best first impression, and have almost twice the success rate of those that don’t.”