The debate regularly comes around: which is the better of the two cities for dating? New York vs. London?

NYC’s commitment issues

Dating in New York is a very different kettle of fish to the dating scene (or lack thereof) in London! However despite the vibrancy of the dating culture in New York, one only has to listen to Carrie Bradshaw’s complaints in the Sex and the City to realise that finding commitment in New York can be tricky.

Many people flock to New York from other cities in the U.S.A., or from all around the world, so combine that with the American openness and friendliness, and the mindset is very much that your future partner could be anywhere, and the options are endless. However in a city full of options, how hard is it to pick your perfect partner?

The Theory of Optimal Strategy

Statistically, if we follow the Theory of Optimal Strategy we are designed to reject 37% of all people we come across. So then if we live in Ames, IA, you are likely to meet roughly 10 potential partners in your life. Out of the nature of selection, 4 will be rejected (no matter how good they are) and then we settle with the first person that is better than any of the ones you have dated before.

However, in New York, you are likely to meet roughly 1,000 potential partners. If we reject 369 out of that 1,000, then we what…marry the first person who is better than the hundreds of people to come before? Tough decision there…and extremely exhausting!

Dating in London

The London mindset, of “stick to what you know” can prove useful if you have a wide social pool into which you can delve to find your dream partner. English culture is founded on social protocol and ritual. However, does the fixation on your social group limit us? Similarly, once you have exhausted your pool, how do you go about meeting someone new?

This dating confusion has led many to flock to us matchmakers, to not only do the searching in a much more analytical and efficient way but to take out the chaos of dating and add in the fun! Now 1/5 (in New York) meet through a matchmaker, or through an online site, and with nearly 40% of Londoners living on their own, clearly things need to change! So New York vs. London? You choose. Onwards and upwards!

Compatible matches on either side of the pond

At Maclynn, our matchmakers are experts at helping clients navigate the nuances of the dating scene in NYC, London and beyond. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our private memberships, offering a psychology-led methodology and an exclusive global dating network.