Viral 6-7 Dating Trend Promotes Mid-Range Attractiveness for Emotional Compatibility

The 6-7 dating trend has gained popularity online as an approach to partner selection. It advises singles to prioritize individuals rated six or seven out of ten on an attractiveness scale, rather than those rated higher. Proponents suggest that such partners may offer greater reliability, thoughtfulness, and emotional availability in relationships.

The trend posits that people perceived as conventionally attractive, rated a ten out of ten, might exhibit less maturity or attentiveness due to abundant options, potentially leading to self-focused behavior. Susan Trombetti, CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, described the concept to The Independent as the notion that partners rated lower in attractiveness could be more invested and grateful compared to those with more choices.

This approach aims to enhance long-term compatibility by de-emphasizing physical appeal.

Some experts identify potential benefits in the trend's focus on deeper connections. April Davis, founder of Luma Luxury Matchmaking, stated that it encourages singles to move beyond initial sparks or love at first sight, which can overlook indicators of sustained compatibility. The trend promotes evaluating partners based on emotional qualities rather than idealized instant chemistry.

Critics, including Brianna Lyman, a correspondent at The Federalist, discussed the trend on Fox & Friends, viewing it as a reduction in standards rather than pursuing an ideal match. Lyman recommended selecting three or four key personal categories and seeking excellence in those areas, emphasizing that partners should feel like a ten in meaningful ways.

She added that if a partner rated her below a ten, the relationship would end.

Trombetti highlighted flaws in the trend's assumptions, arguing that it relies on stereotypes linking conventional attractiveness to emotional shortcomings. She refuted any direct correlation between looks and maturity, noting that attractive individuals can be emotionally available and connective, while less attractive ones might lack these traits.

Davis described the trend as a reaction to frustrations with dating apps, where singles seek straightforward strategies to avoid burnout, though it risks filtering out viable matches based on bias rather than evidence.

Broader context reveals challenges in contemporary dating. The Institute for Family Studies’ 2025 National Dating Landscape Survey, involving 5,275 unmarried young adults aged 22 to 35, found that 74 percent of women and 64 percent of men had not dated or only dated a few times in the past year.

Only one in three respondents reported confidence in their dating abilities. These figures underscore widespread disinterest or uncertainty among young adults in pursuing relationships.

Looking ahead, the trend's influence may persist amid evolving dating norms, potentially prompting further expert analysis or adaptations in matchmaking services. Affected groups include singles navigating online platforms, where superficial judgments prevail.

Next steps could involve integrating the trend's emphasis on compatibility into broader dating advice, while addressing its limitations through education on unbiased partner evaluation.