The Zoomer Report: Single women

Single women often complain that all the good men are taken. Psychologists wondered if this perception is really based on the fact that taken men are perceived as good.

In the experiment both men and women were shown a photo of an attractive person of the opposite sex. Half of the subjects were told that their match was already romantically involved with someone else, while the other half were told that their match was unattached. Then they were asked how interested they were.

For the men and the women who were already in relationships, it didn't make a difference whether their match was available or attached. Not so for single women. When the man was described as unattached, 59 per cent of the single women were interested in pursuing him. When that same man was described as being in a committed relationship, 90 per cent were interested.

Researchers say this may be because an attached man has demonstrated his ability to commit and he has already been "pre-screened" by another woman. Or it may be their interest in unavailable guys is what is keeping them single in the first place?

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ H-Gall

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About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, "In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge" - was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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