Weighing up the cost of love

How much money do you think you’ve spent when it comes to your search for love? When you think about it all those app subscriptions, date outfits and haircuts you shell out for, it might be more than you think. Don’t forget the cocktails, food, and activities you pay for when it comes to the date itself. Due to the cost-of-living increasing, a night out with a potential love interest can soon add up and do some serious damage to your wallet. 

A recent study by Novuna Personal Finance found the average single UK adult spends £1,652 on dating with the average single person going on 15 dates before meeting somebody special. The cost of an individual date is around £60. Bobby Seagull, an author, teacher, TV presenter, and Indian Matchmaking contestant, recently wrote a column about the economics of dating for the i Paper. He worked out that the 129 first dates he has been on must add up to £7,740, based on the Novuna figures. Another survey in the US found singles are spending 40% more on their dating lives than a decade ago

When a search for love isn’t going well, it can be tempting to plough more money into paying for dating apps to widen the pool of people you might potentially match with. However, subscriptions might not seem that pricey initially, but they can add up quickly. It can also be tempting to pay for ‘boosts’ to increase the visibility of your profile.

The problem is you don’t know in advance whether a date is going to go well, which can make it an expensive mistake to commit to a pricey meal and drinks with somebody you don’t go on to see again. Many daters are finding it makes sense to plan low-stakes first dates such as meeting for a walk or grabbing a coffee to judge whether somebody has potential before planning more expensive nights out. 

Modern-day dating is time consuming 

Not only is it costly to fill your month with a packed schedule of dates, but it can be time consuming as well. Often before a date is arranged you’ve spent hours chatting back and forwards, getting to know each other a little better. Then there is the time it takes to get prepared and go on a series of dates with somebody you might end up deciding is not right for you. 

Matchmaking can be a good alternative to the time-consuming nature of modern-day dating. Our matchmakers work hard to headhunt on their client’s behalf, meaning you can sit back and relax while they find you compatible matches. Your dedicated matchmaker will gain a good understanding of who you are and what you are looking for in a relationship. That way they can ensure they are only introducing you to people you’ll enjoy meeting. 

Cost can be a hurdle when it comes to joining a matchmaking agency and some may feel unsure about making an investment in their love life. But when you consider how much money can be spent on dating without any idea of whether the people you meet will go on to be right for you, it can be worth looking seriously at more personalised options. Instead of hoping you meet the right person organically or through intense swiping for matches, you can team up with the professionals who’ll use their considerable experience, extensive private network, and expertise to introduce you to potential partners. We really appreciate what makes you tick, and we select finely tuned matches based on your specific preferences and lifestyle aspirations.

Think about what suits you 

It’s always worth thinking carefully about your budget when it comes to dating. There’s no need to overstretch yourself if you can’t afford the expensive night out your date is suggesting. Many people are open to a more wallet-friendly first meeting and may be relieved you’ve suggested something that doesn’t cost a lot of money. If you are taking a bigger picture approach to your dating journey, or you’re fed up with a string of dates that have led you nowhere, it’s always worth looking at whether matchmaking is an option you should consider. Get in touch today if you’d like more information about how our bespoke matchmaking service works!   

Are you looking for somebody special who will truly understand you and share your values, life goals and aspirations? Your dedicated matchmaker is waiting to introduce you to some truly amazing people. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you with a safe and enjoyable search for love.

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