Groundhogging: just as bad as it sounds.

Not to be confused with charismatic critters or anything remotely Bill Murray, ‘Groundhogging’ is a new dating trend we’re all guilty of.

Put simply, it’s the inescapable truth that we’re dating the same type of person, over and over again - and each time, expecting different results.

Let’s be honest: being fixed on a certain type can be a little toxic. Rather than just being a matter of preference, types are often rooted in surface-level factors that bear little impact on the actual relationship. (Hair colour and height: we’re looking at you.)

Sound far-fetched? The reality is, groundhogging is a vicious cycle that’s all too easy to fall into. People swipe on their type on apps, go for dates… and end up feeling underwhelmed. When it doesn’t work out, they head back on the apps and repeat exactly the same pattern with similar profiles. And thus, the groundhogging cycle continues.

We’re creatures of habit.

We kickstarted 2022 with a singles’ survey to get some answers - and found that 3 in 4 people do, in fact, have a ‘type.’ Whether it’s a specific height, eye colour or profession, the results show that daters know what they like - and aren’t afraid to swipe left until they get it.

These might just sound like your run-of-the-mill dating preferences, but our research shows that sticking to a type isn’t exactly working out. 4 out of 5 singles report that beyond going on a few good dates, dating their type isn’t making a difference. Some say they’re waiting to be blown away; others simply aren’t sure. Only a damning 18% say that they’re lucky in love and going on lots of great dates. 

We may be creatures of habit, but sticking to a type seems to be crushing singles’ chances of meeting great people.

Can groundhoggers change their ways?

Unsurprisingly, groundhogging daters aren’t exactly open-minded about dating beyond their type. Only a quarter of singles say they’d be up for seeing someone a little different.  

But before we get too harsh on the ‘hoggers, it’s important to take into account why so many find themselves stuck in the cycle. 60% of singles believe they have high standards and dating outside of their type would be settling; 18% think they’re simply playing it safe and 14% claim that it’s just a habit. 

The reasons given are understandable - but it’s clear that a perceived comfort zone in dating is holding a lot of singles back.

Our type on paper.

It’s not all dating doom and gloom; a promising 43% of singles say they usually go for ‘the intellectual’. The personality types continue, with 16% stating their type as ‘the joker’, 15% going for ‘the banker’ and 13% opting for ‘the gym bunny.’

Looks-wise…things get a little more prescriptive. 

Our study revealed that the ‘tall, dark and handsome’ trope still rings true; singles’ top types are men over 6ft tall (43%) and brunettes (29%). Blondes have a little less fun at 16% and redheads only rack in 6% of surveyed singles.

With traits like hair and eye colour being a) completely out of the control of the singles in question - b) unlikely to help daters to form a deep connection with each other - the results indicate that people are prioritising the wrong things in their future matches.

Where do we go from here?

We did say it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Despite the many singles caught in the groundhogging loop, there are daters who want to actively make a change.

While types continue to persist, 70% of singles report that they are open to dating outside of their type this year. Perhaps it’s the continued vigour for a ‘new year, new me’ lifestyle - or simply a desire to try dating better… but, regardless: we’re here for the dating revolution.

Still unconvinced? Take it from our resident dating expert, Charly Lester.

Charly says: “I can’t remember the last time I heard dating a ‘type’ working out. For most people, when they think about their best dates, it's with someone who surprised them - someone they wouldn’t usually go for. 

“And the reality is, a certain height or hair colour shouldn’t be a type. These factors don’t make for better conversation or a stronger connection. Singles need to scrap this way of thinking and stop groundhogging.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Down with groundhogging!*

*again, nothing to do with fluffy friends - or national treasure Bill Murray.