To the trained eye a reasonably comprehensive list, but my top qualities in a partner were put to shame when Kim Kardashian revealed to James Corden in a recent interview that while she’s “good” at being single, she has a list of what she’s looking for in a potential fourth husband. Look and learn, people.
“Takes accountability. Can hold their own,” said Kim, who mentioned “good teeth” three times. Big on the choppers. She wants someone who can read a room, is calm, “genuinely happy for me” – I’m crying – and smells nice. Oh and someone who will have couple facials and lasers and says, “let’s do ice baths”.
It sounds like she’s looking more for a spa buddy with veneers/a reliable dentist, and do you know what, Kim is bang on trend. A new dating survey from OnePoll/Forbes Health found 80 per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds said self-care is their top priority when dating. And 75 per cent of young singles find someone more attractive if they work on their mental wellbeing.
The theory is that people used the isolation of COVID to self-reflect and identify their values. If wannabe partners don’t meet those standards, people put families, friendships and jobs before love.
The Forbes survey had good news for those who rely on charm: more than half the participants said personality is as important as appearance.
Loading
In a cool twist on shallowness, older people are pickier about looks! Yes … standards. Nearly one in five people aged 78 and older named physical appearance their top concern compared to 8 per cent of daters between 18 and 26.
It’s certainly a switch-up from my pre-marriage salad days when what was attractive was someone who could down 10 pots and still walk you to the tram, and knew most of the words to Leilani.
I like it. Not the ice baths so much, but valuing wellness and yourself is almost as sexy as size 11 feet.
Kate Halfpenny is the founder of Bad Mother Media.
The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
