A recent online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults—half single and half in relationships—shows that confidence in finding a lifelong partner is waning. Only 41% of single respondents say they are sure they’ll ever meet “the one.”
Even among those already coupled, one in five doubt that their current partner is their true love.
Generational differences
When asked about belief in a perfect match, 26% of all Americans still say someone out there is truly right for them. Generation X leads with 28% holding this view, while Generation Z is more skeptical at 19%.
One in eight respondents believes a person could have multiple soulmates over a lifetime, indicating a shift toward more flexible ideas about love.
Relationship styles
Monogamy remains the dominant relationship style, chosen by 47% of respondents. However, 24% of Gen Z respondents say they prefer more open, flexible arrangements.
Dating confidence and challenges
Overall, 56% of participants admit they feel they’ve lost their “game” in dating. Women report this feeling more often than men (60% vs. 47%).
Nearly one in five (18%) say they no longer know what “normal” looks like in dating, and 11% each admit to over‑thinking texts or feeling tongue‑tied in person.
The average respondent has gone about a year and a half without a good date.
First‑date expectations
When it comes to a successful first date, respondents prioritize sharing a meal (65%), discussing relationship goals (61%) and sharing a first kiss (47%).
Topics such as past relationships (46%), physical intimacy (56%), exclusivity discussions (45%) and money matters (44%) are seen as better suited for later dates.
Dating frustrations
Ghosting is blamed by 23% of participants for dating difficulties, while 18% point to social‑media‑driven unrealistic expectations and 16% cite “profile performativeness” – when a date’s online persona doesn’t match reality.
Gen Z respondents especially cite endless “situationships” and “choice overload” (17% each) as obstacles.
Self‑identified toxic habits
When reflecting on their own behavior, respondents note common pitfalls: ignoring red flags because of strong chemistry (16%), staying in a situationship for attention (14%) and mistaking intensity for passion (11%).
Some admit they pull away slightly to see how hard a partner will chase them (11%).
Maintaining long‑term connections
Couples in relationships say their biggest challenge is communicating evolving needs (23%) and prioritizing romance over routine (18%).
Experts from LELO advise taking things slow, trusting intuition and being honest early on as keys to lasting intimacy.
Methodology
The study was commissioned by LELO and conducted online by Talker Research between Aug. 25 and Aug. 31, 2026, surveying 1,000 single Americans and 1,000 partnered Americans with internet access.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
