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The Heart Beat The Heart Beat blog

Singles: Bad teeth, grammar among deal breakers

Plus, many surveyed said they would not date a virgin.

By Kristin Wong Feb 6, 2013 5:48PM

What do modern singles look for in a potential partner? A survey of over 5,000 unattached adults sought to find out. 

Research company MarketTools asked singles about turn-ons, deal breakers and even one-night stands. Among the more interesting findings was that nearly half of those polled (42 percent) said they would not date a virgin. Another deal breaker? Credit card debt.

What singles want / Abel Mitja Varela/Getty ImagesMore on MSN Living: 8 signs you're too bossy in bed

The majority of singles polled (65 percent) wouldn't date someone with credit card debt in excess of $5,000. Fifty-four percent wouldn't date someone with "substantial" student loan debt.

If you're a single virgin with maxed out credit cards — good luck. And if you live with your parents, it gets worse. Forty-nine percent of singles wouldn't even consider a committed relationship with someone who lives at home with Mom and Dad.

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The survey was conducted by MarketTools Inc. for dating site Match.com. It polled 5,481 singles.

When it comes to one-night stands, more people have had them than you may think. Forty-four percent of women and 63 percent of men have engaged in a brief bedroom encounter. But 33 percent of those would-be one-night stands turned into a relationship.

The poll also asked men how they judge women. Ladies, you may want to start editing your text messages. Grammar is a trait that a surprising 55 percent of men notice. Teeth, hair and clothes were also judge-worthy traits. 

And what do women want? Ladies' No. 1 "must have" in a relationship was someone who "treats me with respect." Women also want someone they can "trust and confide in."

Thirty-six percent of singles have sent a sexy photo or explicit content to someone.  Possibly related, 38 percent would cancel a date if they found something unsavory while doing an Internet background check on their date.

Tell us — what are your dating deal breakers?

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Photo: What singles want / Abel Mitja Varela/Getty Images

52Comments
Jun 4, 2013 10:35PM
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This is a funny study, because the one thing everyone wants - above all else - is an attractive mate.  If he or she is attractive, nothing else matters.  

Any wonder our divorce-rate is above 70%?  

Attractiveness can only get a relationship so far... after the real things that matter to a lasting relationship come to the fore, the relationship is doomed. 

I speak from experience ~ unfortunately. :(
Jun 4, 2013 9:51PM
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you gots to b kidding me bro! now to gets 50 cent & gets a soda
Jun 4, 2013 9:43PM
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Well let's see being in the south the grammar and teeth are a big one .... but I say if she would spit out the chewing tobacco before making out .... KEEPER !!!

Jun 4, 2013 9:34PM
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I agree that bad grammar and spelling are things that say, no interest to me.  Also, messy appearance that says no thought was given to the pictures displayed.  I don't respond to profiles that emphasize religion too much.  I look for self confidence and self sufficiency since I'm not seeking a caretaker myself.  Having a life that is well balanced and lively says the person is mentally healthy and might be a good companion. 
Jun 4, 2013 9:23PM
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Funny - as an employer I have a lot of those same turn offs.  Especially the grammar and credit card debt.
Jun 4, 2013 9:04PM
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Grammar caught my gal... when I proved I could use a semi-colon and wasn't afraid...
Feb 15, 2013 5:36AM
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I love a man that has a killer sense of humor and is also intelligent.   Looks are much less important to me, both of the above are so very sexy.   

Deal breakers, in no particular order:
Bad teeth
Lives with a room mate or parent
Indecisive 
Insecure, needing a lot of reassurance/hand holding
poor grammar


Feb 15, 2013 4:18AM
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He has to be a strong, born-again Christian who loves and obeys Jesus.  He needs to believe that marriage is for life and that divorce is NOT an option.  He needs to think I am more important than his job and sports.  Thankfully I found my perfect guy and have been married to him for over 20 years.  :)
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