Do this one thing if you’re looking for love as dating app users reveal major ‘green flag’

Dating app users are saying this one ‘green flag’ is a good sign on a first date, and it comes as many Brits turn their attention to finding love in the new year

As the new year arrived, many single Brits found themselves focused on one thing: love. With 17% admitting they felt anxious about entering 2025 without a partner, many turned to dating apps in hopes of jumpstarting their love lives.

Now, it seems times are undeniably changing, with talks around mental health now playing a growing role in how people assess compatibility in relationships.

Just a few years ago, two-thirds of us would have been too embarrassed to discuss mental health on a first date. Now, a vast majority of single people view open conversations about mental health as a positive sign.

Interestingly, 28% of those seeking love prefer having meaningful conversations on their first date, ones that show a level of vulnerability instead of the usual casual chit-chat.

In the past, 32% admitted they would have steered clear of any conversation related to mental health due to the stigma associated with it.

Hayley Quinn, a dating and relationships expert from the dating site Matchcommented: “With our study revealing that three quarters of singles view mental health as a dating green flag, the days of feeling like you need to put on a pitch perfect performance for a successful date are long gone.

“Singles want to start something real, and in order to do so, they are approaching dating with more candour than ever before,” she added. The dating app has joined forces with Calm, offering its users a tempting 50% discount on their first-year premium memberships.

An overwhelming 86% of singles reckon that talking about mental health is crucial for laying strong relationship foundations. They’re convinced it paves the way for trust and honesty right from the off, potentially leading to even deeper connections.

A significant 40% who’ve broached the topic have been frank about their own mental health journeys, with 38% sharing the hurdles they’ve faced.

For three-quarters of them, these candid conversations have been beneficial for their mental well-being.

Match’s Hayley Quinn said: “By being open about their mental health and relationship expectations, singles are empowering themselves to build meaningful partnerships, where they can meet each other’s needs, and create happy, stable relationships.”