98% of Single Men Want a Long Term Relationship

(onlinedatingmagazine.com - July 29, 2005) According to U.S. Census data, the number of never-married, eligible single men between the ages of 30 and 34 has increased dramatically. Thirty-three percent of men in this age group have never been married, compared to just 9 percent in 1970. A recent study of single men, conducted by Match.com and unveiled in the August issue of Marie Claire, shows that while more single men may be delaying marriage, 98 percent indicate that they are looking for a long-term relationship.
Identified in Marie Claire magazine as the Ben Jones phenomenon -- the male counterpart to Bridget Jones -- the research reveals that this new breed of bachelor is attractive, smart, successful and in search of Ms. Right.

The survey of more than 1001 single men in the United States aged 26 to 36 showed that 94 percent say they're ready to balance both a serious relationship and a career, and more than half say they believe in love at first sight.

"We know that the 'Ben Jones' bachelors are looking to settle down, but what they don't want to do is settle," said Kristin Kelly, dating expert for Match.com. "Our research found that these amazing single guys contribute to charity, they aren't threatened by a woman who earns more than they do, and they value friendship and kindness as the ultimate attributes in a potential romantic partner."

In addition to the Match.com survey results, Marie Claire magazine features 50 fabulous single men all matching the "Ben Jones" description -- and all of them looking for Ms. Right. "These guys are the perfect match for the Marie Claire reader, whose average age is 30," says Lesley Jane Seymour, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire. "Plus, the Ben Joneses have been carefully selected by the Marie Claire staff for the right amount of brains, brawn, soul, and sincerity." The first 25 bachelors are featured in the August issue on stands now, and the remaining 25 will be featured in the September issue.

"For more than a decade, Match.com has redefined the way people meet and fall in love," Kelly said. "Every day, thousands of Ben Jones bachelors -- including many of the 50 finalists featured in Marie Claire -- log on to Match.com to expand their romantic possibilities and find love. They're just a click away." Seymour agrees, "Everyone I know is meeting someone online."

Match.com survey highlights:

» 98% of single men are looking for a long-term relationship.

» 94% of single men said they're ready to balance both a serious relationship and a career.

» 87% think it's sexy to date a woman who earns more than they do.

» 79% of single men have contributed to charity in the past year; one in three currently volunteers in his community.

» 75% of single men said their ideal woman would be their best friend; kindness was rated the most important attribute in a potential partner.

» 58% of single men have been cheated on.

» 57% of single men say they believe in love at first sight.

» 56% say a girl who sleeps with them on the first date is great, but not the marrying kind.