In the exclusive world of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, where wealth is measured not merely in millions but often in billions, every facet of life, including dating and relationships, is influenced by their extraordinary financial standing.
The UHNW lifestyle is characterized by luxury, influence, and unique experiences, all of which profoundly shape their dating preferences and expectations. Unlike the broader population, UHNW individuals' romantic choices are intricately tied to a combination of distinctive personality traits, elite lifestyle choices, and the unique social dynamics that accompany their significant affluence.
The dating landscape for the ultra-wealthy is not just about finding a compatible partner but involves aligning with someone who can seamlessly integrate into their opulent world.
The wealthy are often surrounded by people who may have hidden agendas, leading them to seek genuine connections that go beyond superficial attraction. They look for partners who can complement their lifestyle, share their values, and support their ambitious goals.
Research has consistently shown that the ultra-wealthy possess distinct personality traits that set them apart from the non-wealthy. A 2022 study published in Nature utilized two large representative samples from Germany to compare the personality profiles of the rich and the non-rich.
Here are five key takeaways from the study that provide insights into how the wealthy differ from the non-wealthy:
- Risk-Taking and Openness to Novelty: Wealthy individuals are more willing to take bigger risks and are generally more receptive to novel experiences. This propensity for risk and openness might influence their willingness to date outside their usual “type,” embracing new experiences in their romantic lives.
- Extraversion: On average, the wealthy are more extraverted. This trait not only aids in building vast social networks but also enhances their ability to attract and engage with potential romantic partners.
- Conscientiousness: Wealthy individuals are typically more thorough and diligent. These traits likely lead them to hold their romantic partners to high standards, valuing habits and personality traits that reflect conscientiousness.
- Emotional Stability: They tend to be less neurotic, meaning they are less susceptible to negative emotions like anxiety. This emotional stability can contribute to healthier and more balanced relationships.
From these traits, we might surmise that the average high-net-worth individual is willing to date outside their “type” (as they are typically extraverted and open to taking risks and experiencing new things), while still holding their romantic partners to high standards when it comes to their habits and personality traits.
However, understanding the unique priorities and preferences of the one-percenters requires more than just psychological insights; it demands real-world data. To gain a deeper understanding of the dating goals of the ultra-wealthy, we sat down with Stacy Thomson, our Founder and Head Matchmaker here at Reddi. Based on her insights, here are five notable findings on what wealthy individuals look for in a partner:
1. Healthy Partners Are a Priority to High-Income Daters
"Real-world data provides a clear picture of the unique priorities of the ultra-wealthy," Stacy said. "Their dating goals often reflect their lifestyle and values, which are different from the general population."
The analysis showed that wealthy individuals place a lot of importance on how healthy their potential romantic partners are. For instance, the data showed that when one-percenters look for partners, they specifically exclude smokers from the search, and for a good reason. In 2022, researchers studied close to 7000 current smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers. They discovered that men who smoked at the time of the study had sexual dysfunction significantly more often than men who did not smoke. While smoking was a strict no-no to wealthy individuals, they had a far more lenient view of partners who enjoy the occasional glass of wine.
"The ultra-wealthy also desire partners who have active lifestyles and a strong appreciation for self-care," Stacy explained. “Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep have been shown to improve brain function and boost overall cognitive performance. This can lead to better problem-solving skills, innovative thinking, and strategic decision-making, all of which can give billionaires a competitive edge in their industries.”
2. Discretion Is of Utmost Importance to the Ultra-Wealthy
"Discretion is incredibly important to the ultra-wealthy," Stacy said. "They look for partners who value privacy and can be trusted with their personal and financial information."
The data revealed that the ultra-wealthy often choose set phrases available on the website like “easy-going,” “open-minded,” and “long-term.” This suggests that wealthy people are looking for partners who share their personality traits of low neuroticism and high openness. It also seems that the wealthy are rarely looking for a fling or something casual.
“Ultra-wealthy singles, more so than most, value deep emotional connections and seek genuine and trustworthy partners because they are often surrounded by those who want something from them, namely their wealth or what their wealth may provide,” Stacy elaborated.
This explains why the set phrase “discreet” was extremely popular among individuals over a certain wealth class.
3. Beauty Isn’t Only Skin Deep When You Are Dating a One-Percenter
"While physical attractiveness is considered, it isn't a deal-breaker," Stacy noted. "Education and intellectual compatibility are more critical factors for them."
Although ultra-wealthy single men seem to prefer fit women who have a slim to curvy body type, physical attractiveness wasn’t a deal-breaker, according to the study. Low education, on the other hand, was.
“Partners are chosen because of the nature of the word. A partnership is about more than looks - it’s about finding that connection, one that you trust, and one that nurtures both of your minds,” Stacy said.
While Seeking.com data showed that the ultra-wealthy favored matches with at least a college education, results from a study conducted using a popular dating app in China showed that men visited women’s profiles regardless of their level of education. This contrast is one of the things that may differentiate the wealthy from the rest of the population when it comes to attraction.
4. The Wealthy Are Not Bound by Geography
"Wealthy individuals often lead global lifestyles and seek partners who are open to long-distance relationships," Stacy added. "They value shared experiences and a cosmopolitan outlook."
People over a certain level of income are likely to lead a more global lifestyle. In many cases, they may even own multiple homes around the world. This cosmopolitan streak is attractive to wealthy people, and they actively seek others who are like them. This means they are likely open to long-distance relationships. Although this may seem like an inferior way of building a connection, we know that couples in long-distance relationships can be just as happy as couples who share the same geography.
A study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that long-distance couples and couples who lived close did not differ significantly in terms of how happy they were in their relationship. What predicted relationship quality, however, were individual and relationship characteristics.
5. Wealthy People Like to Date Other Accomplished People
"They also prefer dating other accomplished people," Stacy mentioned. "They scrutinize their relationships with the same care as their business investments, looking for partners who share their worldview and values."
One-percenters are three times as likely as other members of Seeking.com to opt for the highest membership tier.
“The very wealthy are looking at their investment in relationships and their dating lives with the same scrutiny as they’re looking at their businesses. There’s a certain gamble in it, just like when you’re playing the stock market. The thing that’s most precious, and can’t ever be recouped, is time,” Stacy commented.
Their ability to afford the membership notwithstanding, the wealthy seem to be cutting straight to the chase - minimizing risks of dating people who may not share the same worldview as them.
To conclude, the world of luxury dating is a nuanced and sophisticated arena where surface-level attraction takes a backseat to deeper values and shared lifestyles. As Stacy Thomson's insights reveal, the ultra-wealthy prioritize health, discretion, intellectual compatibility, global perspectives, and accomplished partners in their quest for meaningful connections.
At Reddi, we specialize in understanding and catering to the unique preferences of high-net-worth individuals. If you're ready to find a partner who suits your lifestyle and values, our expert matchmaking services are here to help. Discover the difference that personalized, high-end matchmaking can make in your love life.
Take the first step toward a real introduction. Contact us at Reddi today to begin your journey.
Related reading: How to Spot Fake Profiles on Dating Apps and Navigating Modern Romance: Dating in the Digital Age.