Dating is Taxing
The tax return deadline may be over for now but according to a survey by RSVP.com.au, 75 per cent of singles think dating is more stressful than filling out a tax return.
“Doing your tax can definitely be a source of stress, but dating can also cause stress for singles,” Lija Jarvis, relationships and dating expert said.
The survey also considered spending preferences of singles and the financial impact of being single as opposed to being in a long term relationship. Overall, respondents were of the opinion that it costs more financially to be in a relationship than to be single.
Singles rated a night out, shopping expeditions and sporting activities as some of the key social expenses in their average week. Once in a relationship however, spending habits tend to be modified in line with the social activities and preferences of a partner.
“According to the survey, singles agreed that there was generally more expensive to be in a relationship than to be single,” said Jarvis.
“However, dating certainly comes with a certain amount of stress. This is partly caused by changes in social patterns and etiquette. Men, in particular, claim that there is confusion surrounding the modern dating game and what women expect in a relationship.”
Typical financial concerns for people in relationships include co-ordinating a two person cash-flow and sharing living costs ranging from food, utilities, property, travel and even wedding and child-related costs.
Singles also have financial challenges. Whilst social activities may cost less than when in a relationship, singles are faced with premium prices when travelling solo and also often charged premium rates for home rental – singles who choose to live alone can often find themselves faced with the same rent options as a two person share arrangement.
Other findings from the survey include:
• Traditional dating patterns are changing with 40 per cent of respondents saying that you should ‘go dutch’ (i.e. share the bill) on the first date, compared with the 35 per cent of respondents who still think the man should still pay.
• Only one third of singles would be offended if their date asked them to split the bill on a date they were invited along to.
• 41 per cent of respondents said that they wouldn’t rely on anyone else to make decisions with regard to their finances. 56 per cent said that they would only trust a loved one or professional accountant.
