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in collaboration with
Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
Have the French become more demanding during first dates? The Dating Lab, the Meetic dating observatory, unveils a survey on the essential criteria for French singles in 2024. Humor, physical appearance, family values and social commitment: so many points that count to score points from the first exchanges. But which ones really take precedence?
Sense of humor, gallantry, personal and family values, profession… Many criteria come into play during a first meeting. But which ones are really important in the eyes of the French? THE Dating labthe first meeting observatory according to Meetic, reveals the results of its latest survey.
Meeting love online: a practice that has become democratized
It’s a fact: in love, dating applications have become part of customs and offer the possibility of opening up to the outside world.
According to a Meetic study carried out among 1000 French respondents (between 2012, 2015 and 2024), nearly 79% of users consider this “THE dating apps as an enriching experience“.
In 2024, two thirds of respondents (61%) even say that these applications have allowed them to meet people.that they would never have come across in their daily life“, whether geographical differences (43%), divergent interests or passions (40%) or different cultures (29%).
But once the first text messages have been exchanged and the meeting place has been given, what are the real criteria of the French during the first meeting?
The 4 essential criteria for French people on a first date
According to a survey carried out in 2024 by the Dating Lab (among 1000 single respondents in France, but also 1000 single respondents in the UK, 1000 single respondents in the Netherlands and 1000 single respondents in Germany, in 2015 and in 2024), here are the four main characteristics of French singles that help them take the first step of dating:
- Criterion #1: sense of humor. This is the most important criterion for 88% of French people. An element also considered essential by Amélie Boukhobza. “Yes, humor is fundamental! Nothing like a good laugh to break the ice. Humor is one of the keys to complicity. This moment of lightness gives this impression of being in phase. Of course, it’s not about spending the evening making jokes, but a touch of humor here and there works wonders.”
- Criterion No. 2: physical attractiveness. An overwhelming majority of French people (83%) attach great importance to a person’s look and style. “It matters, of course. But make it a criterion for success? Other elements should come well ahead! After all, the look needs a makeover! With time, we can always refine the details.” assures our expert.
- Criterion No. 3: family values. Among the French singles surveyed, 75% of them are looking for a person who will also please their family. Faced with this criterion, the clinical psychologist is doubtful. “Please the family? Why not, as long as it doesn’t take over yourself. We don’t live with the family! It is first and foremost oneself that the other must please.”
- Criterion No. 4: Sensitivity to social and environmental causes. And yes! 69% of French people are looking for people sensitive to environmental and societal causes. “It’s a real plus if these are the values that underpin us. I would even expand to fundamental values as a whole: it is essential to have common bases, otherwise, differences risk shaking the relationship.” warns the practitioner.
“Among the essential criteria, I would add sincerity. Showing who you are, without overdoing it or diminishing yourself, is a good sign!“, says Amélie Boukhobza.
Taking the first step, an initiative that is still as attractive as ever
Still according to the survey, one element seems to remain constant over the years: men always appreciate it when women make “the first move”.
“In 2024, 85% of them see this as a mark of independence which arouses their curiosity, a figure close to the 88% observed in 2012. concludes the Dating Lab.
Slide: 20 mistakes to avoid on the first date