OKCupid just released the results of a landmark study of over 190,000 dating profiles. The findings are equal parts remarkable and hysterical. The wildly popular dating site analyzed profiles created by Americans in 2016, that specified their political beliefs as either “liberal” or “conservative.”
The study separated profiles based on political ideology, and whether they were looking for love or for something casual.
In the group looking for love, the word associations could hardly have been more different. “Like the outdoors or going to the shooting range? So do a majority of conservatives who are searching for love. Liberals looking for love prefer museums, yoga, and crying.” I like two of those three things! But do I like them in a partner? Um…let’s just say that the three words together give me flashbacks to Pajama Boy. Though if you are a conservative who enjoys liberal tears, you are in a weird version of luck — they sure do mention crying a lot.
“Museums, yoga, and crying” sounds like the first half of a rom-com, so if you’re into that, go find yourself a left-winger! Not exactly oozing testosterone over there (which is understandable, given that most young adult women lean left).
Want a foolproof first date idea? Go outside. OKCupid says “being outdoors is arguably the most agreeable hobby for both parties.” Yet liberals and conservatives use different words for this: Conservatives say “outdoors;” liberals say “nature.” Nerds say, “That warm place where I can hunt Pokémon.”
Grabbing a bite to eat? Conservatives are predictable eaters, favoring barbecue, grilling, steak, and sweet tea. Right-wingers looking for love often mentioned Dr. Pepper. Lefties love burritos, Thai, and avocados (leading this writer to ask, what kind of monster doesn’t love those things?)
Let’s say you’ve got yourself a new boo who’s also conservative. Congratulations! Want to find out your potential honey’s real intentions? The Second Amendment might help you out — not the actual weapons, just the words the person uses to describe them. OKCupid found that the conservatives interested in sex use the word “guns.” Those interested in love were more likely to use the word “firearms.”
OKCupid found that half of all daters on their site “couldn’t date someone with opposing political views.” The percentage of people willing to date across the aisle is at its lowest point since 2008. Whether you’re up for some bipartisan romance or prefer to keep the party, well, within your chosen Party — the language clues illuminated in this study can help you find your match.
