The hunt for Mr or Mrs Perfect is over as daters now set their sights on finding a ‘6 out of 10 Average Joe’

The hunt for Mr or Mrs Perfect is over as daters now set their sights on a ‘six out of 10’ – embracing the ‘Average Joe’.

A poll of 800 adults who use dating apps found 55 per cent are seeking a partner who isn’t stereotypically ‘perfect’.

SWNS

And 81 per cent claim they are on the hunt for someone who simply fits a ‘six out of 10’ calibre.

With 67 per cent having avoided connecting with someone after getting the ‘ick’ over their profile image, 89 per cent are looking for a match who shows a warm smile.

Also on the wish list are signs of liking nature (77 per cent) or sport (49 per cent) – and a presence of a friend (52 per cent) and family (53 per cent).

It emerged 67 per cent believe being your authentic and ‘average’ self is a good thing, with obviously filtered selfies (79 per cent), posing with money (75 per cent), and sweaty gym snaps (53 per cent) cited as the biggest dating profile turn-offs.

Dating expert Alix Fox, who is working with dating app, Plenty of Fish, which commissioned the research spoke about the findings.

Alix said: “There’s a widespread perception in the dating world that unless you’re a VIP who looks flawless or has a whole A-Z of impressive achievements, then you’re going to be rejected.

“But the truth is, most singles aren’t seeking someone practically godlike to be their ‘chosen human’.

“They want an ‘Average Joe’ (or Jane) who’s real and relatable, who values laughing and loving over fronting and flexing.”

The research also found the likes of hobbies and interests, values, and humour were preferred over perfectly preened selfies and washboard abs.

More than half (54 per cent) reckon authenticity is the key to a long-standing relationship, and 63 per cent believe showing this from the start builds trust.

While 57 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, feel it helps to establish boundaries.

It was also revealed that when showing up on a date as their true self, six in 10 feel more confident.

While 37 per cent think they have more successful romantic encounters when they embrace their authentic traits.

Until now, 53 per cent have felt pressured to use a ‘perfect’ profile pic, with a third admitting they spent most of their time choosing the ideal photo when setting up a profile.

It also emerged 70 per cent have made a decision on a potential match based on their picture alone.

Alix Fox added: “There’s no need to stress about maintaining a persona when you’ve sincerely been yourself from the start.

“By simply being your regular, standard self, you open yourself up to far more fulfilling relationships – and may well find that you’re enough to be someone’s everything.”

Tips on how to create an authentic dating profile

1. Appreciate Yourself

You don’t have to be a superhuman for people to find you super, so appreciate yourself more, uphold your boundaries, and hold out for something special.

2. Show-offs = Turn-offs

Don’t fear people running away if you don’t look like you’ve just stepped off a catwalk runway, or a private jet runway.

Try setting up your phone to video yourself chatting and laughing with a friend and then see if any capture you looking relaxed and happy once you’ve forgotten you’re being recorded.

3. Add a (back)drop of colour

Vibrant backgrounds help your pictures pop, so ask a buddy to join you on a ‘photo forage’ and head out to see how many bright backdrops and fun locations you can scout to take portraits in.

4. Practice learning to love the skin you’re in

I am part of a group chat with close, trusted friends where we deliberately send each other photos of ourselves pulling silly expressions and poses.

It’s funny, and a cheery way to stay in touch, but it also helps us all get used to the whole spectrum of ways our bodies and faces can look, and feel less sensitive about being photographed.

5. Try the ‘Fantasy Day’ vs ‘Unfancy Day’ ice breaker

This will give you opportunities to talk about you and your date’s ambitions, imagination, and ‘bucket list’-type goals.

It’s also your chance to see if you relate when it comes to your more down-to-earth and real-life habits, hobbies, and values.

6. Prep handy conversation starters in advance

Here are a few conversation starters that work for pretty much everyone: What three things, huge or tiny, made you smile today?

What’s the last random internet rabbit hole you found yourself sucked into?

What would be on your ultimate dinner menu and what food would you ban forever?”

7. Be your authentic best

Yes, you want someone to appreciate your unfettered self and take you as you are, but that’s different to lazily or defiantly presenting your worst sides and expecting someone to dutifully take you on.

8. Remember you don’t have to be a rockstar to rock someone’s world

You simply being your normal, everyday self has the capacity to make someone’s day.