A new study is challenging the image of singlehood in France. Conducted by Meetic in partnership with the Kinsey Institute among 1,011 singles ages 18 and up, and published on November 5, 2026, it shows that most single people don't experience their situation as a failure while waiting for a miracle app, but rather have precise romantic expectations, often far removed from the clichés surrounding online dating.
The first finding: 73% of the singles surveyed say they are happy with their current life, and 65% still believe that romantic love can last over time. For most, singlehood is not experienced as an unwanted interlude. It even comes with concrete benefits: 54% appreciate having more time for themselves and their loved ones, and 48% can fully devote themselves to their hobbies.
What Singles Are Really Looking For
The study also details what does, or doesn't, motivate people to get back into a relationship. 79% of men and 72% of women say they're ready to leave singlehood behind if the opportunity arises, and 55% would do so to meet someone enriching rather than out of a simple need for companionship. But the criteria have become more refined: 91% consider it essential to share the same values as their partner, far ahead of appearance or professional situation. Among women, 66% now have a well-defined list of criteria before committing.
- 47% only feel real chemistry when they meet in person.
- 65% prefer regular small gestures over grand declarations.
- 91% rank shared values above any other criterion.
This return to the concrete echoes another recent survey, the Sex Report from the brand Adam & Eve: 63% of French people say they met their current partner in real life, compared to only 21% through a screen. A figure that puts into perspective the real weight of dating apps in forming couples, even though they remain a common entry point.
Singlehood by Choice, Not Just by Circumstance
This trend confirms a shift already seen in today's dating norms: singles today are no longer trying to fill a void at any cost, but rather to find a relationship aligned with their values. This heightened standard may lengthen the time spent single, but it also reduces early breakups tied to fundamental incompatibility. This shift particularly affects young adults, who are increasingly having multiple experiences, as shown by the rise of the duo trend among young singles.
For those actively looking, the study's practical takeaway is clear: prioritize the quality of conversations and in-person meetings over the number of matches, and don't hesitate to express your values from the very first exchanges rather than later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is singlehood viewed negatively in France in 2026?
No: according to the Meetic-Kinsey Institute study, 73% of singles say they are happy with their current situation, and a majority still believe in the possibility of lasting love.
What do singles look for most in a partner?
Shared values rank far ahead of everything else, cited by 91% of respondents, ahead of respect and honesty, far ahead of superficial criteria.
Do people still mostly meet online?
Not predominantly: several recent surveys, including Adam & Eve's Sex Report, indicate that the majority of French couples formed through an in-person meeting rather than via an app.
Sources
Maritima — Happy but Open to Love: A Study Breaks Clichés About Singlehood in France
TF1 Info — Dating Apps Losing Steam
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy
