Singles take note: another dating trend from across the ocean is currently catching on in the UK.
There’s enough to worry about when you’re trying to find love, but when assessing the other fish in the sea, you also need to remember to be wary of what people’s true intentions are.
Otherwise, you may find yourself being duped by someone secretly practicing hypergamy, who is more interested in what lifestyle they can provide you than what kind of partner you are.
For those of you who have never heard the term, it basically means “dating someone higher” or “marrying someone higher,” meaning being with someone who is of a higher social and economic status than you.
This has been done almost everywhere in the world for decades, but seems to be very prevalent in the US and is now becoming increasingly common in the UK as well.
In most cases, people participate in hypergamy in the hopes of moving up the social hierarchy, but some argue they simply want to be with successful people. What’s wrong with that?
While the boundaries of this dating trend have been somewhat redefined in modern society, essentially, many people looking to start dating also want to boost their social status at the same time.
A survey conducted by luxury dating site Seeking found that singles consider a strong emotional connection with a potential suitor a “must-have”, but that being “infatuated” and wealthy are also prerequisites for a first date.
Love seekers are warned to beware of hypergamy. (Getty Stock Photo)
The survey found that people looking for love want to find someone they can learn and grow with, with 57% saying they want to settle down with someone who “complements” their qualities.
A poll of 2,000 adults by Seeking magazine found that singles are looking for partners who have intellectual, cultural, lifestyle and financial goals and who are ideally already quite successful.
A staggering 65% of respondents said feeling ‘completely smitten’ is the key to a successful date, and 35% believe that if this doesn’t happen on the first date then the relationship is doomed.
In the survey, 80 percent said they find confidence attractive, 75 percent find it attractive when their date is proud of their past achievements, and 73 percent say they’re flattered when someone goes “above and beyond expectations.”
As you can see, being well prepared really seems to increase your chances of landing a date.
Participants were also intrigued by the modern-day term “hypergamy,” with 43% initially not knowing the term but after learning its meaning, 47% saying they viewed the dating trend positively.
Single people hope to improve their social status by choosing the right partner (Getty Stock Photo)
The survey found that 39 percent believe that finding someone to support them socially and financially could make a large or important contribution to their personal growth and discovery.
Emma Hathorne, corporate dating and relationship expert at Seeking, said modern hypergamy means “a lot more than traditional forms” and “reflects an increased emphasis on growth and shared benefits in relationships.”
She explained: “Today, ambition, wealth and status are still important, but finding a partner who will complement and enhance your life in a meaningful way is just as important.”
“Showcasing that ambition and pampering your date sets the bar for the relationship. It’s time to say goodbye to regular dating. People want to feel elevated, both in the conversation itself and by receiving something that’s tailored just for them.”
In fact, Emma thinks it could be beneficial for those struggling in the dating world.
“Being with someone who inspires you to grow and evolve turns a good relationship into a great one,” she says. “Choosing a partner who complements and enhances your own qualities will create a deep, rich, and meaningful relationship. A great relationship is one in which two people are constantly learning and growing together.”
