In your pursuit of the ideal relationship, you’re probably looking for an S.O. who meets a (possibly long) list of criteria. You crave a partnership with someone who shares your values, is compassionate toward other people, and works hard to achieve their goals. You dream of someone funny, smart, and open to new experiences. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt if they’re a great dancer and can plan a fab dinner date. But have you ever considered whether or not frugality might be attractive to you? If the results of a recent survey are any indication, you might find that this quality seriously works in a potential S.O.’s favor, even if you didn’t realize it!
Crowdsourced deal-finding site Slickdeals recently surveyed 2,000 Americans in order to gauge how certain frugal behaviors would be perceived in romantic scenarios. The consensus is that those behaviors garnered an almost overwhelmingly positive response. Per the survey, 92 percent of Americans consider frugality to be an attractive quality in a partner or potential partner. Even cost-saving habits that may have once seemed inappropriate for a date — like using a coupon! — might be okay to today’s love seekers. In fact, 79 percent of those surveyed thought using a coupon on the first date is acceptable.
According to the majority of participants, setting the stage for an excellent date is still no excuse for pressing pause on frugality. Sixty-six percent noted that “frivolous overspending” would actually ruin a date for them.
“[People] are looking for long-term partners who can be reliable and responsible,” says Erika Kaplan, regional manager and senior matchmaker for Three Day Rule. “Being frugal — but not cheap — often shows that your counterpart isn’t frivolous and is interested in investing in his or her future. So many fights in relationships stem from money, so finding a partner who is responsible with their income is sexy.”
The line between frugal and cheap can certainly be a fine one. As part of their survey, Slickdeals queried participants about which behaviors would fall into each category. Failing to leave a tip regardless of the quality of service, calculating one’s part of a group bill down to the penny, declining to be part of group rounds at a bar, and tipping just 15 percent even after receiving excellent service were all considered “cheap” by at least one-third of the individuals surveyed.
“Cheap is a turnoff because it often means that you’re willing to sacrifice quality time to save a dime, which in a lot of ways doesn’t seem very wise,” Kaplan says. “It also shows that you’re not generous. Being frugal is attractive because it shows you’re resourceful and responsible. Prioritizing where you spend and where you save is a savvy habit that not everyone is capable of!”
You can successfully demonstrate that you’re frugal but not cheap by making wise financial decisions that aren’t at the expense of another person. Suggest a restaurant that’s delicious but reasonably priced, then be sure to tip your server 18 percent or more. Opt for the fancy ice cream when you’re picking up a pint for a movie night at home instead of arriving with bags and bags of mediocre snack food. It’s all about quality over quantity!
Do you find frugality attractive in a partner? Tweet us @BritandCo!
(Photo via Getty)
