Survey on dating and coronavirus—how singles are now looking for partners

Restrictions on leaving the house and social distancing, plus financial worries and fear for our loved ones. There's a lot going on in Germany right now! Is there any time left for love? LemonSwan asked! In a Germany-wide survey, we asked our users how they are dealing with finding a partner in the current situation. And this is how they responded:

How do singles assess the current situation?

We asked our users how they would assess the current situation. Around half of all respondents (48.3%) rated the situation as “serious.” In the 65+ age group, the proportion was even higher at 65%. Uncertainty (28%) and fear (16%) also prevail among singles. Despite the serious situation, there is also confidence (27%) and solidarity (27%) across all age groups. Only a small proportion of just under 11% have a different opinion. They tend to view the current situation as scaremongering, manipulation, and hysteria.

What tools are singles using to communicate now?

The good news: lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures are not a reason for most Germans to give up on finding a partner altogether. Only about one-third (30%) said they would put dating on hold for the time being. Women (34%) are more cautious than men (25%) in this regard. The majority (70%) do not want to give up looking for a partner despite the coronavirus.

Fortunately, in the age of dating portals and online matchmaking services, this is not a problem. Getting to know each other now simply takes place online for the time being. Meetings and planned dates are postponed according to the motto: “Postponed is not canceled.”

And what do our singles prefer to communicate about? Most (65%) primarily use WhatsApp calls or video calls. But Skype (12%) and FaceTime (5%) are also being used more and more by German singles.

Which singles are most affected by the crisis?

The current situation is not easy for any of us. And we all need a lot of patience, perseverance, understanding, and flexibility right now. But some singles are having a particularly hard time:

1. Single parents

The current situation poses a particular challenge for single parents. Schools and daycare centers are closed, so childcare and work now have to be juggled somehow. A real mammoth task! No wonder, then, that 72% of single parents surveyed say they no longer have time to look for a partner.

2. Older singles

No roommates to eat your food or wake you up late at night when they come home from a party. Normally, living alone has its advantages. But in times of coronavirus, with restrictions on going out and social distancing, you almost long for an annoying roommate to share your loneliness with.

While younger people often still live in shared apartments or with their families, many older singles live alone. A full 85% of people over 55 live in single-person households. They are currently struggling with loneliness and isolation in particular. The 45 and younger generation is better off in this respect: only 42% of them live without roommates.

How is COVID-19 affecting everyday working life?

For 63% of users, the novel COVID-19 virus has not only affected their dating lives, but also their everyday working lives. Most are now working from home, have had to apply for short-time work, or are on paid or unpaid leave. 17% are employed in systemically important professions, such as nursing, medicine, or childcare. Of these, 70% are women and 30% are men.

What impact is COVID-19 having on the search for a partner?

When users are asked how much the current situation is affecting their search for a partner, opinions are divided. Around 38% feel that it is having a large to very large impact. 20% feel that it is having no or very little impact, and just under half (42%) are neutral on the issue.

Particularly interesting: 33% say they are now even more intensely focused on finding a partner. Here are the reasons why.

1. Desire for closeness

Most users cite an increased desire for closeness as the main reason. While closeness is now becoming more important for 70% of single men, women seem to be coping better on their own. Only one in two women wants more intimacy.

2. Desire for stability

While single men are particularly looking for closeness, women increasingly value the desire for stability. In times of crisis and uncertainty, they are primarily looking for a partner who can offer them support and security and stand by their side during these difficult times.

3. Distraction from the current situation

With so much bad news every day, it is understandable that we try to distract ourselves with beautiful things. And what works best for that? Love, of course!

Distraction from the current situation is a decisive factor for around 10% of people to become more interested in dating right now.

4. Financial security

Many Germans are currently on short-time work or fear for the existence of their companies. Nevertheless, financial security is a reason for both women and men to search more intensively for a partner in only 2.3% of cases.

Conclusion: Where there is love, there is a way!

Our survey on dating during the coronavirus pandemic has made us feel optimistic! For most single Germans, the current situation does not mean that they want to give up looking for a partner altogether. Even if they take the situation seriously and refrain from meeting people in person and going on dates for the time being, they can still find plenty of opportunities to continue their search for true love. Where there is love, there is a way!

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