Singletons give “plus one” a whole new meaning as one in five admit to taking a friend on a date with them, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 single adults, who have actively dated in the last five years, found half of those (51%) have had their pal show up in secret at the location.
Another 48% wished they could take their mates on dates – and 59% enjoy the preamble and dating debriefs with pals, more than the event itself.
And a chum’s involvement starts from the beginning, with nearly three-quarters (72%) of singles canvassing opinions from friends and family before even saying “yes” to a romantic endeavour.
While friends are the most common choice to confer with about courting (50%), colleagues (28%) and siblings (23%) are also popular confidants.
And 59% said supportive friends and family make them feel more confident as they navigate the dating world.
It also emerged it takes more than two people to make a date happen, besides the dater themselves.
This includes the friends who boost confidence (59%) or advise on outfits (24%), and even the strangers that make you smile en route (24%).
Following the findings, Plenty of Fish, which commissioned the study, has teamed up with author and poet, Charly Cox, to create “Thank You Notes” – a digital collection of poetry based on the real-life dating stories of British singles, offering a nod of thanks to those who played an unexpected role in their search for love.
Dating expert Kate MacLean said: “Sometimes we get so caught up in the desired outcome of a date, we forget about those who help us get there.
“Dating is a journey, and it’s the people around us, our support circles, who can help to take the pressure off.
“Creating “Thank You Notes” is a celebration of dating, and the unexpected charm that can be found in the journey.”
The study also found these “date mates” extend beyond family and friends – with 31% seeking love advice from strangers they meet out and about, or on the commute.
Restaurant staff (14%), taxi drivers (13%), bartenders (13%), baristas (10%), and train attendants (11%) have also been cited as boosting the confidence of starry-eyed singletons before a date.
It also emerged that even exes play a part, with 16% confiding in a past partner before the date.
More than two-thirds (69%) of those surveyed, via OnePoll, have been encouraged by their mates to go on a date with someone who isn’t their usual type.
But 85% have learnt more from dates that flopped, than those that were successful.
Preparations and pre-date conversations with friends begin an average of two days before the main event.
And the most popular rituals include sharing information about their romantic interest (32%), looking them up on social media (30%), and sourcing date location recommendations (27 %).
When it comes to live updates, 45% of singletons send messages during the date, while 38% take it as far as phoning a friend.
On average, singles will spend two hours talking to pals about an upcoming date, with 59% feeling more confident when doing so, while 30% said it helps calm their nerves.
Charly Cox added: “I’ve loved translating the journeys and experiences of people’s dating lives into poetry – and giving a well-deserved nod to those unsung heroes who play such a huge role in the early stages.
“It’s been wonderful to celebrate the everyday interactions that can have a positive impact on our lives.
“This collection of poetry is a wonderful reminder to enjoy the process, find joy in the nuanced, and hold tight the people you meet along the way – whether that’s on your search for love, or elsewhere.”
