September 13 is Positive Thinking Day! Started in 2003 by an American entrepreneur in the hopes of getting people to think positively at least one day out of the year, the day actually caught on and is now a thing. And, let's be honest, in a world of so much turmoil we just might need an entire day where we only think about bunnies and pizza and dinosaur shaped clouds and all that good stuff.
Wanting to make the most of the day, Match delved into what people are thinking in regards to positivity versus negativity, when it comes to dating and love. According to their study of 1,000 members from all over the country, 80 percent feel that the country has become more negative in the past four years.
As Dr. Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and Chief Scientific Advisor to Match, said in the press release: “Stop with the negativity, America. Singles are sick of it... And for good reason. Negativity stresses the body and the mind. We’re naturally drawn to positive people because when they smile, we automatically smile too—and smiling triggers facial muscles that trigger the brain’s pleasure centers to make you feel good. Sure; there’s much to cry about. But if you want to attract the right partner and fall in love, be happy. It’s one of nature’s secrets to romance.”
Match proposes, in contrast to Trump’s slogan “Make America Great Again,” we “Make America Love Again." But can we do it? Or have we all become that pessimistic? On this Positive Thinking Day, let’s examine just how much being positive helps when we’re looking for love.
1. No One Wants To Hear Your ‘Biased’ Views
Time to reconsider gossiping — it could be a deal-breaker. According to Match’s study, 34 percent of members have broken up with someone because of their biased views toward other people.
2. Negativity Could Lead To You Getting Dumped
More than half of the Match's members, at 51 percent, have actually broken up with someone because they felt they were too negative or pessimistic. Sure, there's a time and place for being a pessimist, like when the bakery is out of cannoli, but trying to look on the bright side of life, as they say, isn't just great for your love life, but your physical and mental health, too.
3. Your Positivity Is More Important Than Your Success
Based on Match’s findings, 98 percent of people would rather be with someone who’s “moderately successful but highly positive,” as opposed to someone super successful but really negative. Basically, all those accolades and being listed in Forbes' Billionaire List, doesn’t mean a damn thing if you’re a Debbie Downer all the time. So be super happy along with all that success if you want love in your life.
4. People Tend To Notice How Positive You Are Even On A First Date
When you go on a first date, it's pretty important to bring your A-game. Not just because you want to have a good time and let whatever is bothering you disappear for a bit, but because your positivity is detected by your date. According to the study, 83 percent of Match's members see the positive instead of the negative on a first date. I'd say for such a cynical world, that's a great number. I'd also say that means you turn on that awesome charm of yours.
5. Being Positive Is Sexy AF
A whopping 93 percent — that’s almost 100 percent for those who are bad at math like me — have bonded over positive views with a partner in comparison to negative views. Sure, if you’re connecting over good stuff, you’ll probably have some negativity in common, too, but there’s no reason to inject more pessimism into the world. So, you know, be cheery!
Images: Fotolia; Giphy (5)
