So, How Many People Actually Fit Your Dating Standards?

Let's talk about something that's probably crossed your mind while swiping through dating apps or scanning the room at a bar.

How many people out there meet your dating standards?

Here's a mind-bending thought: What if I told you that, statistically speaking, less than 1% of the population might actually fit your dating standards?

Yep, you read that right. One. Percent.

Before you throw your phone across the room in despair, stick with me.

This isn't just another doom-and-gloom dating article. In fact, I'm about to explain why this seemingly discouraging statistic is the secret sauce to your success with dating.

Let's dive in, crunch some numbers, and I'll show you why being picky might just be your ticket to finding "the one."

Why Having Standards is Actually Pretty Cool

Look, having standards in the dating game isn't about being a snob or thinking you're too good for anyone. It's about knowing what you want and not settling for less. When you set some solid standards, you're:

1. Dodging bullets (aka relationships that'll probably crash and burn)
2. Saving time (no more wasted dates with people you're just not clicking with)
3. Upping your chances of finding someone who's actually a great fit

The Reality Check: Numbers Don't Lie

Alright, here's where things get interesting. There are these cool new tools out there, like keeper.ai, that can crunch the numbers and show you just how many people fit your dating criteria. And let me tell you, the results can be a real eye-opener.

Say you're looking for a woman between 22 and 30 years old, standing between 5'2" and 5'6", and making at least $80K yearly who doesn't smoke cigarettes. Sounds pretty great, right?

Well, let's see what the numbers say:

• Women aged 22-30 in the US: about 12% of the female population
• Of those, women between 5'2" and 5'6": roughly 40%
• Now, women making $80K+ a year: approximately 10% of working women in that age range (it's lower than our previous example because we're including younger professionals)
• Women who don't smoke cigarettes: about 86% of women in the US

When you multiply these percentages, you end up with about 0.41% of the female population in the US.

That's less than half a percent, guys. Out of roughly 168 million women in the US, you're looking at a pool of about 690,000 who meet just these three criteria.

Still sounds like a lot, right? But spread that across the entire country, factor in location, mutual attraction, shared interests, relationship status, and all that good stuff, and suddenly finding "the one" starts to look like a pretty impressive achievement!

Quality Over Quantity: It's Not a Numbers Game

Now, don't freak out! This isn't meant to bum you out. It's pretty empowering when you think about it:

1. You've got standards, baby: Those small numbers? They're proof that you know what you want. Own it!
2. Focus on the gems: Instead of trying to date the whole world, you can zero in on the people who really make you excited.
3. Patience is your wingman: Knowing your perfect match is rare helps you chill out and enjoy the journey.

You need to understand that your standards narrowing the field don't mean you're doomed to be alone forever. It just means finding the right person might take some time—and that's okay!

It's more than okay - it's a good thing:

• Quality takes time: Like a fine wine or that perfectly aged cheese, great relationships often need time to develop. Rushing into something just because you're impatient rarely ends well.
• Every date is a learning experience: Even the ones that don't work out teach you something about yourself and what you're looking for. It's all valuable intel for your ultimate mission.
• You're not just waiting; you're preparing: While looking for Mrs. Right, you've got time to work on becoming the best version of yourself, too (more on that in a sec).

Remember, waiting for the right person beats settling for the wrong one any day of the week. It's not about how many fish are in the sea – it's about reeling in the right one for you. And trust me, when you do find that person who ticks all your boxes (and probably some you didn't even know you had), you'll be glad you didn't waste time on connections that were just "meh."

Raising Your Own Bar

Speaking of becoming the best version of yourself, let's talk about you for a sec.

Having standards for your dates is great, but what about your standards for yourself? Are you bringing your A-game? Here's how to level up:

1. Work on yourself (hit the gym, learn a new skill, whatever floats your boat)
2. Get emotionally intelligent (learn to read the room, communicate like a champ, flirt properly)
3. Live your best life (pursue your passions, build a life you love)

Trust me, when you're the best version of yourself, you're way more likely to attract someone who meets your high standards.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it. Being picky in the dating world isn't a bad thing. Those tools that show you the cold, hard stats? They're just reminding you that finding someone special is special.

Don't let the numbers get you down.

Instead, use them as motivation to stay true to what you want, keep working on yourself, and remember that good things come to those who wait (and date smart).