Making (Enough for) Love: The Association of Income and Relationship Readiness

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relation of unpartnered individuals' financial situation to satisfaction with singlehood, desire for a relationship, and likelihood of partnering. Is higher income related to happier singlehood and/or a stronger draw towards romantic relationships?. Background: The link between income and romantic relationships has so far been examined mainly in the context of existing relationships, with higher income related to lower conflict levels and more likelihood of transition to marriage. The present research extends this work to focus on currently single individuals and their satisfaction with singlehood as well as desire for (and likelihood of transitioning into) a relationship. Method: The link between singles' self-reported income and their satisfaction with their single relationship status, desire to begin a relationship, perceived relationship readiness, as well as odds of starting a relationship was examined across two longitudinal studies (NStudy1 = 638; NStudy2 = 4179). Results: Higher income was unrelated to satisfaction with singlehood but correlated with more desire for a relationship, higher relationship readiness, and longitudinally predicted a greater likelihood of actually starting a relationship. No significant gender differences emerged for the link between income and relationship attitudes in either study. Conclusion: The financial well-being of young adults is linked with romantic desire, perceived readiness for relationships, and actual transitioning into intimate partnerships.