Single Americans cite excessive debt, financial instability, and a lack of respect for boundaries among their dating red flags. But lately, people looking for love have indicated that the current economic uncertainty is causing new concerns: unemployment.
A recent survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults by matching company Tawkify found that 29% of Americans say being unemployed is a red flag.
Justin Lehmiller, a senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute for Research on Sex and Relationships and author of Tell Me What You Want, says that finding a partner can be weighed down by financial considerations.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans, 72%, say the current economic climate is making it more difficult to pay their bills, according to a recent Lending Tree survey.
“All kinds of new stressors seem to be emerging every day,” Lehmiller said.
“When someone who is already struggling financially gets involved with someone who is struggling even more than they are, it can create a really difficult situation,” he says.
Losing a job or becoming unemployed can happen to anyone.
Justin Lehmiller
Senior Researcher, Kinsey Institute
Unemployment is a bigger problem for some groups than others. For example, 20% of women say unemployment is a red flag, compared to just 10% of men.
Lehmiller says women may be more likely to prioritize status and resources simply because it’s safer for themselves and the children they might have.
He advised single people dating during these economic uncertainties to keep an open mind, saying, “I would caution against making employment status too big of a red flag.”
“Losing a job or losing your job can happen to anyone,” he says. “That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a bad person or have bad romantic prospects.”
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