The sparks that overwhelm the senses when couples fall in love isn’t the slow burn that helps them stay in love, according to a new eHarmony study.
The online dating service analyzed the differences between how never-married singles and previously married singles rated the importance of various qualities in a potential partner.
Findings revealed that singles tend to focus on emotional aspects of a new love while the previously wed care about values that can sustain a relationship over the long haul.
What the never-married think is important:
What previously wed singles think is important:
A “love buzz” — feelings of intense passion and excitement — is common when couples first start dating because those emotions help start and solidify new relationships, says Gian Gonzaga, eHarmony’s senior director of research and development.
“Unfortunately, people often select their long-term relationship partners based on those initial feelings without recognizing the differences between the emotions that help us fall in love and the qualities that help us stay in love over time.”
Source: eHarmony and ap Research Corp. survey of 2,020 adults (1,007 men and 1,013 women 18 years and older)
