It's Just Lunch :: The Dating Tips Blog

Helpful Dating Statistics

A survey of 38,912 singles by It's Just Lunch found that :

• 1 in 8: the chance a women has for a 2nd date if she has not heard from him within 24 hours of their first date.
• Top conversation killers:  past relationship - 49%, dieting or body image - 21%, politics - 15% and marriage - 15%.
• 17% - the chance of liking a date set up by a friend.
• 88% of women find money to be very important in a relationship.
• Topic ignored on a first date - 60% of women and 64% of men don't talk about politics on a first date.
• 52% of singles feel they are too busy to meet other singles.
• 76% of women date men that are at least 5 years older than them, while 80% of men date women that are at least 5 years younger than them.
• 53% of singles find a great smile the most attractive feature.
• 43% of singles have Googled someone on the internet before a first date.

The Perfect First Date

It's Just Lunch has set up over 2 million first dates over the past 16 years and has found the ideal first date amongst singles is one that is under 60 minutes.  In fact, 87% of singles prefer a lunch or drink after work as a first date.

Some Things Never Change

Over 90% of Singles Want to get Married Someday

While the the goal of singles has remained the same over the past decade, when singles believe they will tie the knot has changed.  According to a survey by It's Just Lunch, in the 1990's, 54% of single women believed they would marry in their early to mid 30's; 59% of single men believed they would marry in their mid 40's.  Today, the timing has reversed.  56% of single women believe they will mrry in their late 30's or 40's, while 54% of single men believe they will marry in their 30's. 

Stop Looking for Love in all the SAME Places

Your guide to meeting singles this summer from dating service It's Just Lunch

Palm Desert, CA, June 25, 2007 - It's Just Lunch, the premier dating service for busy professionals with over 100 locations worldwide, is here to help singles meet someone new this summer.  Instead of looking for love in all the same places, It's Just Lunch recommends singles change scenery and go somewhere new. 

Meet Someone New This Summer by Going Somewhere New

1. Go outside - Every city has tons of great opportunities to meet other singles during the summer.  Grab a group of friends and attend the weekly jazz concert in the park in your city or a local arts festival.  Get outside of your office.  The warm weather provides new places to meet singles in your city.  If you aren't into the arts, go to a sporting event.  74% of single women view baseball games as a great way to meet men.  Single men -- get tickets to the next home game, you're sure to meet a single lady.

2. Take a vacation - 54% of singles have a summer vacation already planned for this summer.  If you don't, plan something soon.  If you don't have time to take off a whole week, go away somewhere of the weekend.  Vacations are the perfect opportunity to get to know someone new.  39% of singles are planning a solo vacation this year and are looking to meet another solo vacationer relaxing at the beach.

3. RSVP to every BBQ and picnic you get invited to, even the ones you normally would turn down - A BBQ is a great place to meet someone new -- 66% of singles think a BBQ is the best place to meet other singles during the summer.  While at a party, set a goal to strike up a conversation with at least 5 people you don't know.  By leaving a lasting impression, the people you meet will be more likely to think of you when they are trying to set up other singles they know.  If you don't know of any upcoming BBQ's, host your own.  It's not only a great way to enjoy the warm weather with your friends; you also get to test that new recipe you've been dying to try and show off your barbequing ability. 

About It's Just Lunch

Since It's Just Lunch was founded in 1991, the company has arranged millions of fun first date lunches or drinks after work - an atmosphere where singles can feel comfortable with the process of meeting a new person.  With over 100 locations worldwide, each day IJL meets with clients one-on-one, then arranges hundreds of fun first dates at over 1,500 restaurants.  No photo or online profile for the world to see.  With many introductions leading to  second dates, It's Just Lunch is the world's leading first date authority.

Get Interested in Them and They'll Get Interested in You

What is it that people like to talk about the most?   Themselves, of course.  Ask questions about where they like to go, what they like to do, who interests them and why they do what they do.  You'll be talking all night.

Don't "Self Reject"

Deciding that someone is out of your league and failing to make a move will ensure that you never get rejected or accepted.  Why?  Because you rejected yourself first!

Avoid the Friend Zone

The dreaded friend zone: we've all been there.  The best way to avoid this is to not "over-friend" it in the beginning.  Don't act like all you want to do is chat, because that's all you'll end up with.  Inject a little flirty banter into conversation and don't hide your intentions.

Conversation Starters

See a person you want to talk to, but you don't know what to say?  Try a compliment: "I love your jacket/tie/ring".  Then tell them why you like it:  "It reminds me of...".  Another great low-pressure conversation starter is to ask about someone else: "Do you know who that woman in the red dress is?  She looks familiar."

Another Great Way to Meet Like-Minded Singles

Looking for a fitness-conscious partner?  Try a hiking club or sports league.  Leagues are a great  way you get to meet like-minded people, have fun playing your sport, and stay in shape - it's a win-win-win situation!  And Ladies, leagues are especially popular with men, so join one and start meeting athletic men.  Try an adult recreational league like Sports Monster who put teams together.   Sports not your thing?  Try a hiking or adventure club to meet outdoorsy people like you.

Create a Ripple Effect

Do you know why it's smart to talk to anyone, anywhere, even if that person doesn't seem to be your type?  Well, if you throw a pebble into the dating pool, it can have a significant ripple effect that is sure to benefit you.