The 6-7 Dating Trend: A Viral Approach to Finding Love
A new dating phenomenon has captured attention online, known as the 6-7 dating trend. This method encourages singles to consider partners who fall in the middle of an arbitrary attractiveness scale—specifically, those rated six or seven out of ten. Proponents claim that selecting a "mid-range" partner can lead to more reliable, thoughtful, and emotionally available relationships, potentially preventing heartbreak. The theory suggests that conventionally attractive individuals, often rated as tens, may be less mature or attentive due to higher desirability fostering self-focus and reducing emotional investment.
Expert Opinions on the Trend
Relationship professionals have expressed skepticism about the 6-7 dating trend. Susan Trombetti, a professional matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, explains to The Independent that the trend is based on the idea that "if you go for someone less hot, they will be more invested in the relationship and more grateful, as opposed to a '10' that supposedly has more options." However, she and other experts argue that this approach rests on shaky assumptions.
April Davis, a relationship expert and founder of Luma Luxury Matchmaking, acknowledges some benefits, such as de-centering superficial factors like looks. "It does encourage singles to let go of the spark and stop chasing 'love at first sight,' which is a good thing," she says. "A lot of people idealize instant chemistry and ignore the real signs of long-term compatibility." Yet, Davis cautions that the trend may lead to filtering out potentially great matches based on bias rather than reality.
Criticisms and Deeper Flaws
Critics point out that the 6-7 trend relies on stereotypes, assuming that attractiveness correlates with emotional maturity. Trombetti refutes this, stating, "It's a stereotype, and 10s can be the perfect partner, whereas you might overlook the red flags in a 6 or 7. It's a great concept, but it doesn't hold water." She emphasizes that emotional availability and maturity are not linked to physical appearance, making the trend a generalization that could mislead singles.
On Fox & Friends, guest Brianna Lyman, a correspondent at The Federalist, viewed the trend as people "lowering their standards a little bit" and settling. She argued, "I think everyone should feel like their partner is a 10. If I had a partner, and they said, 'You're not a 10,' then you're not my partner anymore.'" Lyman suggests focusing on specific qualities that matter most, rather than reducing partners to a numerical scale.
Why Singles Are Turning to This Trend
The popularity of the 6-7 dating trend appears to stem from desperation among singles seeking a clear-cut method to avoid emotional burnout. Davis notes, "The 6-7 trend is just more backlash from dating apps and digital dating. Singles want something that works in their mind. Even though I think it sounds good, it only rings true in theory." Research supports this, with the Institute for Family Studies' 2025 National Dating Landscape Survey revealing that 74% of women and 64% of men aged 22 to 35 had not dated or only dated a few times in the past year, and only one in three adults expressed confidence in their dating skills.
Davis adds that the trend may act as a defense mechanism after heartbreak, with people saying, "I'm done chasing the most attractive, exciting person in the room if it only leads to heartbreak." However, she warns that reducing someone to a number keeps dating surface-level and fails to address deeper emotional baggage, such as unresolved trauma or insecurities.
Reframing the Approach for Healthier Relationships
Experts urge singles to reframe the ideas behind the 6-7 dating trend rather than follow it blindly. Davis advises, "The idea of valuing stability is right, but the way people are talking about it and assessing it is wrong. You don't need to 'date down' to find a healthy relationship. You need to choose better based on behavior, not assume someone's personality and values based on how they look." By focusing on emotional stability and compatibility without relying on arbitrary scales, singles can build more meaningful connections and avoid the pitfalls of superficial judgments.
