{"id":15520,"date":"2025-01-22T09:41:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T16:41:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/?p=15520"},"modified":"2025-07-08T13:23:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:23:58","slug":"romantic-expectations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/jewelry-education\/love-relationships\/romantic-expectations\/","title":{"rendered":"Romantic Expectations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e3cdd0\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1025;--dominant-color: #e3cdd0;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1025\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1.png\" alt=\"The graphic titled &quot;Romantic Expectations&quot; features a person with a thought bubble above their head containing the text &quot;Romantic Expectations.&quot; The background is a soft light pink, with two large floral arrangements on either side. The floral arrangements consist of dark red and pink leaves and flowers, and there are small red and pink hearts scattered around the person, adding to the romantic theme of the image. The overall design conveys a contemplative and dreamy mood about romantic expectations.\" class=\"wp-image-15550 not-transparent lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1-768x308.png 768w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1-1536x615.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1-2048x820.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1-380x152.png 380w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1-800x320.png 800w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1-1160x465.png 1160w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From Disney\u2019s true love\u2019s kiss to Mr. Darcy\u2019s heartfelt declaration, we are surrounded by stories that set high expectations for love. So much so that 65% of Americans believe that society\u2019s romantic expectations, influenced by the media, put pressure on real-life relationships. But how much have the rom-coms and fictional heartthrobs really changed our expectations in relationships? And what other factors shape our expectations when looking for love?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To build a better picture of romantic expectations in America, we asked 2,000 people to discuss whether they believe their expectations have changed as they grow up, and why they think that is. We also asked which forms of media influence their expectations the most, and how the growth of social media has affected how they approach relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-8860668f      \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#modern-day-romance-the-impact-of-technology-on-love\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Modern-Day Romance: The Impact of Technology on Love<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-power-of-love-in-rom-coms-and-romance-novels\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">The Power of Love in Rom-Coms and Romance novels<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#do-childhood-dreams-of-relationships-match-up-to-reality\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Do Childhood Dreams of Relationships Match Up to Reality?<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#dreamers-in-a-realistic-world\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Dreamers in a Realistic World<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#methodology\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Methodology\u00a0<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#fair-use-statement\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Fair Use Statement<\/a><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modern-Day Romance: The Impact of Technology on Love<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Romance has adapted to fit within changing lifestyles, societal shifts, and the rise of technology, leading to a shift in romantic expectations. A substantial 58% of those surveyed feel their expectations around romance have become more realistic over time, with just under half (48%) blaming various life experiences for the change. Thanks to the magic of social media, we no longer live in a time where we have to wait days for a handwritten letter from our lover. But has the ease of connection removed the romance from dating?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to our survey, 34% of the population feels that social media is the biggest contributor to changing romantic expectations, the most of any media influences offered in the survey. While advances in technology allow us to have conversations instantaneously with anyone from anywhere, almost a quarter (24%) feel that relationships have now become less personal and more transactional as a result. However, the biggest impact of technology on our romantic expectations appears to be an increase in skepticism, making 27% of people more cautious about others\u2019 intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d0c63f442ed&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-dominant-color=\"d4abb4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 6145px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 6145\/6385;--dominant-color: #d4abb4;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"6145\" height=\"6385\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 6145px) 100vw, 6145px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2.png\" alt=\"The graphic titled &quot;How Social Media Has Impacted Relationships&quot; presents various statistics on the influence of social media on romantic relationships, displayed within different colored boxes. The largest box at the top states:\n\n&quot;27% It has made me more skeptical or cautious about people\u2019s intentions&quot;\nBelow it, the other statistics include:\n\n&quot;26% It hasn\u2019t changed how I approach relationships&quot;\n&quot;24% It has made relationships feel less personal or more transactional (e.g., swiping on apps)&quot;\n&quot;23% It has created challenges, like misunderstandings or miscommunication, through texting or online interactions&quot;\n&quot;18% It has increased the pressure to present an idealized\/desirable version of myself on social media or dating profiles&quot;\n&quot;18% It has made communication in relationships easier\/more convenient and frequent (e.g., texting, video calls)&quot;\n&quot;15% It has made it easier to meet new people and expand my dating pool&quot;\n&quot;15% I have become more selective with who I romantically connect with via apps and social media due to there being a wider pool of potential 'matches'&quot;\n&quot;12% It has made me more open to long-distance relationships due to more communication options&quot;\nThe design uses a mix of light pink, dark pink, and red tones to differentiate the various responses, creating a visually engaging and informative layout.\" class=\"wp-image-15554 not-transparent lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2.png 6145w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-289x300.png 289w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-370x384.png 370w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-768x798.png 768w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-1478x1536.png 1478w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-380x395.png 380w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-800x831.png 800w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-1160x1205.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC2-24x24.png 24w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media\u2019s influence is impactful for both women and men, but 3% more men feel it influences romantic expectations the most compared to women. And while most age groups agree that the biggest impact social media has had on how they approach relationships is the caution they now hold, a significant 30% of those aged 18 to 24 say the biggest impact is the miscommunication technology brings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Power of Love in Rom-Coms and Romance novels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Tinder matchmakes 7.8 million Americans, new films and literature still hold on to the romantic tropes that make us swoon. Romance movies came second in the survey for having the most influence on our romantic expectations, with over a fifth (22%) naming it the most influential form of media.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d0c63f44cdd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-dominant-color=\"f4e9e6\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/2258;--dominant-color: #f4e9e6;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2258\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3.png\" alt=\"The graphic titled &quot;How Has The Media Impacted Romance?&quot; highlights various media influences on romantic perceptions, represented by icons and corresponding percentages. The categories, ranked by impact, are: Social media (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) - 34%, depicted by a hand holding a smartphone. Romantic comedies or romance films - 22%, represented by a film reel. Not a particular one \/ not sure - 18%, shown with a speech bubble and question marks. TV shows (fictional) - 9%, illustrated by a TV screen displaying a romantic scene. TV shows (reality) - 7%, depicted by a TV screen showing a reality show. Romance books or novels - 5%, represented by a book with hearts on the cover. Celebrity relationships in the news - 4%, illustrated by a newspaper. The design uses a combination of light pink and dark red tones to visually segment each category, providing a clear and concise representation of how different forms of media impact romantic perceptions.\" class=\"wp-image-15553 not-transparent lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-300x265.png 300w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-435x384.png 435w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-768x677.png 768w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-1536x1355.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-2048x1806.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-380x335.png 380w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-800x706.png 800w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC3-1160x1023.png 1160w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While rom-coms seem to influence women 3% more than men, 20% of men still feel their charm influencing their romantic expectations. However, nobody feels the sway of a rom-com heartthrob more than those in Kansas, where 44% named romantic movies as the biggest influence on romantic expectations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only does true love show up in the movies, but romance is found throughout decades of literature. The rise of the subgenre \u2018Romantasy\u2019 has reintroduced the ideas of soulmates and love triangles to a new generation of readers, but how much do regency balls and love triangles actually influence our expectations of love? According to our survey, the influence of romance novels only accounts for 5% of the population, with 3% more women being influenced than men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Childhood Dreams of Relationships Match Up to Reality?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While there is no set timeline, many people still imagine a rough roadmap to love such as when they\u2019ll meet \u201cthe one\u201d or when they\u2019ll walk down the aisle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many Americans, this dream timeline starts in their early twenties with partners tying the knot before they reach 30. Starting with meeting their partner, Americans expect to start dating their dream partner by the age of 22 and be married by 28. Therefore, that leaves just over six years (6.3) to build the perfect relationship before saying, \u201cI do.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d0c63f45531&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eddbda\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1538;--dominant-color: #eddbda;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1538\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4.png\" alt=\"The graphic titled &quot;Relationship Progression&quot; compares the ages at which people wanted to achieve certain relationship milestones versus when they actually did. It uses horizontal bar charts in two colors: dark red to represent &quot;Wanted to&quot; and light pink to represent &quot;Actually.&quot; The categories and their corresponding ages are: &quot;Started Dating&quot;: Wanted to at 22 years old, Actually at 27 years old &quot;Got Married&quot;: Wanted to at 28 years old, Actually at 31 years old &quot;Duration from Dating to Married&quot;: Wanted to be 4 years, Actually was 6 years The design clearly illustrates the differences between the desired and actual timelines for these relationship milestones.\" class=\"wp-image-15552 not-transparent lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-639x384.png 639w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-1536x923.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-2048x1230.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-380x228.png 380w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-800x481.png 800w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC4-1160x697.png 1160w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the romance reality tells a different story. Life\u2019s unpredictability, career goals, and the challenges of modern dating are just some factors that can push an ideal timeline back. According to our survey, most people meet their partner and start dating at the age of 27, with almost four years together before they get married at the age of 31. The difference between expectation and reality, therefore, reflects how real-life experiences often reshape our romantic ideals into something more flexible and personal as we grow older.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not matching your expected romantic timeline can be frustrating, but these delayed milestones may reflect a deeper desire for authenticity and intention in relationships. A longer wait for that special person can allow you to take your time building stronger foundations, focusing on compatibility and personal growth before committing to a lifelong partner. No matter the speed, it is always worth waiting for the right person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dreamers in a Realistic World<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As many Americans become more realistic with their romantic expectations, some may be a generation of dreamers. Over a fifth of those aged between 18 and 34 said they are becoming more idealistic with love, suggesting that despite life experiences and technology bringing a reality check, the charm of romance and meaningful connection is still strong.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d0c63f45d0f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e5c8cb\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/2046;--dominant-color: #e5c8cb;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2046\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5.png\" alt=\"The graphic titled &quot;Have Romantic Expectations Changed?&quot; features a large heart shape divided into three segments, each representing different responses to the question. The left side of the heart, in pink, states: &quot;25% They have become more idealistic&quot; The bottom segment, in light pink, states: &quot;17% They have stayed the same&quot; The right side of the heart, in dark red, states: &quot;58% They have become more realistic&quot; The overall design uses a combination of pink and red tones to visually separate the different responses, providing a clear and concise representation of how romantic expectations have evolved.\" class=\"wp-image-15551 not-transparent lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-480x384.png 480w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-1536x1228.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-2048x1637.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-380x304.png 380w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-800x639.png 800w, https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC5-1160x927.png 1160w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether we are swayed by rom-coms or grounded by dating apps, a balance between reality and ideals reflects the complexity of modern relationships. Romantic expectations may change as we grow, but hope for romance remains a powerful and enduring force.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methodology&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We surveyed over 2,006 Americans on their romantic expectations and the influences on them, as well as what age they expected to meet and marry their partner compared to the real timeline. The survey was conducted in January 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fair Use Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to use this data, you are welcome to share any of the information or graphics above for non-commercial purposes. We just ask that you include a link to this page in your article when referencing the material.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From Disney\u2019s true love\u2019s kiss to Mr. Darcy\u2019s heartfelt declaration, we are surrounded by stories that set high&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":106,"featured_media":15550,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_10104259587489742_110062855004561":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,53,5479],"tags":[5374,16],"coauthors":[5383],"class_list":{"0":"post-15520","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-jewelry-education","8":"category-love-relationships","9":"category-research","10":"tag-best-of-data","11":"tag-relationships"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Shane Co. | The Loupe Blog - Romantic Expectations<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Shane Co. surveyed Americans to uncover the most popular places people meet their partners, and how these meeting spots influence their relationships.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/jewelry-education\/love-relationships\/romantic-expectations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Shane Co. | The Loupe Blog - Romantic Expectations\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Shane Co. surveyed Americans to uncover the most popular places people meet their partners, and how these meeting spots influence their relationships.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/jewelry-education\/love-relationships\/romantic-expectations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Shane Co. | THE LOUPE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/shanecompany\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-22T16:41:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-08T19:23:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1025\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rachel Nipp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@ShaneCompany\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ShaneCompany\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rachel Nipp\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shaneco.com\\\/theloupe\\\/jewelry-education\\\/love-relationships\\\/romantic-expectations\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shaneco.com\\\/theloupe\\\/jewelry-education\\\/love-relationships\\\/romantic-expectations\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rachel Nipp\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shaneco.com\\\/theloupe\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/1238c330a3836f67fc15ba7e55d0393e\"},\"headline\":\"Romantic Expectations\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-22T16:41:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-08T19:23:58+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shaneco.com\\\/theloupe\\\/jewelry-education\\\/love-relationships\\\/romantic-expectations\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":988,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shaneco.com\\\/theloupe\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shaneco.com\\\/theloupe\\\/jewelry-education\\\/love-relationships\\\/romantic-expectations\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shaneco.com\\\/theloupe\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/ShaneCo-RomanticExpectations-DC1.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Best of Data\",\"Relationships\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Education\",\"Love &amp; 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