logo
Swipe right on these cities: A map of the top metro areas for dating

Swipe right on these cities: A map of the top metro areas for dating

Yahoo10-07-2025
Dating in the U.S. has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. Twenty years ago, most couples met through friends, colleagues or in person at bars and restaurants. Today, over half of heterosexuals meet online, according to a 2017 Stanford study. Dating digitally can come with its own challenges, though. A Pew Research Center report from 2023 found that nearly half of dating app or website users have had negative experiences.
While online dating has become pretty ubiquitous across the country, people's personal experiences still vary significantly based on where they live. Some cities are better suited for singles thanks to abundant date venues, large single populations and affordability. Yahoo analyzed the data to rank the best metropolitan areas (with populations of at least 500,000) for dating and identified where singles may be left endlessly swiping.
Score methodology
Mingle score (55% of score):
Unmarried population, ages 20-54 (35%)
Gender balance of unmarried population, ages 20-54 (20%)
Dating spot score (35% of score):
Restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and movie theaters per 100,000 people (30%)
Share of people who live alone (5%)
Cost of dating score (10% of score):
Regional price parities for services, including dining out (5%)
Median income for nonfamily households (5%)
New Orleans beats out many larger cities thanks to its large single population and high density of date spots. Rounding out the top three are Toledo, Ohio, and New Haven, Conn. — both of which boast high mingle and dating venue scores. The Northeast dominates the rest of the top 10, with New York City in the No. 4 spot. At the bottom of the list are two Utah metro areas: Ogden and Provo. With a high Mormon population, these areas have a younger marriage age and a lower divorce rate, making them home to fewer singles than other cities. Nearby, Colorado Springs, Colo., ranks third to last, driven by a skewed ratio of 80 single women for every 100 single men. The total scores for tech industry cities like San Jose, Calif., Seattle and San Francisco are also dragged down by a higher number of single men compared to single women.
Search through the table to find how your city ranks.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

A Parent's Guide to College Visits and Admissions
A Parent's Guide to College Visits and Admissions

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Yahoo

A Parent's Guide to College Visits and Admissions

Experts share what to know, ask, and do at every stage. Fact checked by Sarah Scott Blink and your little one will headed to college. I speak from experience as my 16-year-old was a baby five minutes ago—I swear! And yet, here we are. Our college visit and admissions journey is well underway, but I'm still feeling very overwhelmed. We've made mistakes—including not thoroughly researching a school we trekked more than ten hours by car to visit. I can't be the first parent to find the college admissions process more than a little complex. Thankfully, there are experts who have been there, done that, and can help answer questions about everything from when to visit prospective schools to the difference between early decision and early action. The only thing they can't assist with? Getting me ready to say goodbye to my baby! College Visit Prep The very first step in planning college visits is having honest conversations about goals and values, says Irena Smith, a Bay Area-based college admissions expert, former Stanford admissions officer, and author of The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays. She tells Parents that this doesn't have to be a one-time 'big talk,' but getting on the same page about fundamentals, such as what you can afford, can save everyone a lot of heartache later. Next, it's all about planning ahead—as I learned the hard way. Before you set foot on a campus, do some preliminary research to ensure the visit is worth your time. Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP, President and Chief Educational Consultant of One-Stop College Counseling, recommends checking out majors, academic programs, student body size, location and surrounding area (including safety), and both academic and social opportunities before scheduling an on-campus visit. Cost is also a key factor. Jed Macosko professor of physics at Wake Forest University, urges parents to gauge whether a school is financially feasible before your child falls in love with it. College Visit Timing Once you have completed your school background checks, so to speak, Kopp Weingarten says you can start on-campus visits as early as freshman year. By junior year, students are typically ready to think more seriously about whether a college is the right fit. Experts agree this is the ideal time to visit. Start with schools within driving distance—and maybe even turn it into a mini-vacation by exploring local sites and attractions. But Marc Zawel, co-founder and CEO of AcceptU cautions, 'Don't over schedule.' He says families should visit one or two schools per day, max. As far as the season to plan a visit, summer is often more convenient for both parents and students. However, Kopp Weingarten cautions that campuses can feel empty, 'Since many college students won't be on campus, sometimes it's harder to get a true sense of campus life.' Spring of junior year of high school is often better, according to Zawel. Experts recommend not waiting until senior year to start visiting colleges, as that time is packed with schoolwork and college applications. Ultimately, Kopp Weingarten suggests exposing your student to a wide range of schools—big and small, urban and rural—to help them figure out what might suit them best. Planning a Productive College Visit After doing the leg work, you'll want to make your time on each campus as meaningful as possible for your family. Start by scheduling a campus tour, which in most cases can be done online. Otherwise, contact the admissions office for information. 'The self-guided tours, which are available on off-times, aren't great at showcasing the colleges,' warns Kopp Weingarten. 'Students walk around, looking at buildings, without having the tour guide bring the campus to life.' Also, book info sessions ahead of the visit—but be sure leave space for organic, unscheduled experiences at each school as well. 'Eat in the dining hall, grab coffee in the student center, read the school paper. Talk to random students, not just the tour guide,' Zawel recommends. Meeting with a professor from a study area of interest can also help students get a sense of the school, according to Kopp Weingarten. They may even be able to sit in on a class. Finally, Mocasko tells Parents that if your child already knows a student at the school, even casually, spending time with this person will give them insight into what life on campus is really like. As an added bonus, if they end up at the school, they will already have a friend. 'It will make the first year of college less scary!' he says. Questions to Ask During Campus Visits Parents naturally have questions about cost, financial aid, and safety on campus, but experts say that college visits are a perfect opportunity for kids to develop confidence and grow their independence. "I always suggest students take the lead on these visits,' Kopp Weingarten advises. 'Parents can accompany them, but they shouldn't be the one asking questions!' So, what to ask, you ask? Students should ask anything that helps them to envision daily life on campus. Depending on what they value most, some questions to ask include: How easy is it to change majors? What is a typical class size? How would you describe the political climate on campus? Does your school have a Greek system? Can you have a car on campus freshman year? How are the dorms set up? When can you live off campus? What are the meal plan options? Understanding the College Admissions Timeline Once you and your child have determined which colleges are at the top of their list, the next logical question is: When are applications due? The short answer is that it depends on how your child applies. If your child has fallen in love with a school, they may wish to apply early decision, or early action. It's important to know that early decision, which may be offered in two rounds, is binding, while early action is not. With early decision, Kopp Weingarten explains, 'The student, parent, and college counselor sign a binding contract stating that if the student is admitted, they must attend and also remove all other pending college applications.' If your child has their heart set on a certain school, then according to Kopp Weingarten, 'Typically, applying early decision greatly increases your chances of admission.' Early action, which is non-binding, is sometimes a strategic choice. Students can demonstrate their interest for a school without the decision being binding. Since they'll hear back earlier than with regular decision, applying early action can also take the pressure off, per Kopp Weingarten. Finally, some schools offer an admissions advantage to early action applicants. 'Others tie merit award eligibility to EA, making it a smart move financially as well,' she adds. With all of that in mind, here's a breakdown of various application deadlines for most colleges: Early Decision 1: Nov. 1 or 15 (hear back in Dec.) Early Decision 2: Early Jan. (hear before regular decision) Early Action: Similar deadlines to early decision (hear in Dec. or Jan.; decision due May 1) Regular Decision: January. May 1st will also often be the deadline to accept or decline. Rolling Admission: Renewal as received. Clearly deadlines will in large part determine when your child works on their applications, but in general Kopp Weingarten says that the summer before senior year is a good time to begin applications, request teacher recommendations, and complete financial aid forms. For student-athletes, the timeline is different, with the process kicking off as early as sophomore year. High school and club team coaches are great resources to help guide you through the process. It's also a good idea to reach out to other parents who have been down that road with their student athlete. They'll likely be happy to help you get a lay of the land. Supporting Your Teen Without Taking Over Experts emphasize that allowing your child to take charge during on-campus visits is a powerful way to help them feel self-assured and develop more autonomy. Maintaining an open dialogue about their process helps you support them, without taking over. Remember, keeping your child on track with college visits and applications is a parent's role—doing it for them is not. As Smith says, encouraging independent decision-making prepares kids to self-advocate and handle challenges down when you aren't there to provide guidance 24/7. Meanwhile, if they're unmotivated, she says, 'Yelling or lecturing is unlikely to motivate them.' And, according to Smith, a child who is showing little or no interest in the process may be signaling that they aren't ready to dive into it just yet. If you notice that your child seems stressed around the issue, it can help for parents to set boundaries around when and where you discuss college with your child. For instance, not at the dinner table, or on weekends. 'They're hearing about college from everyone—teachers, friends, and social media,' Smith assures parents. Finally, Smith encourages parents to find a hobby to keep their own minds engaged other than thinking about college. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword

15 Subtle Power Moves That Leave Narcissists Powerless
15 Subtle Power Moves That Leave Narcissists Powerless

Yahoo

time19 hours ago

  • Yahoo

15 Subtle Power Moves That Leave Narcissists Powerless

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Navigating interactions with narcissists can feel like a daunting task. They often thrive on control and manipulation, leaving you feeling powerless. However, with a few subtle power moves, you can regain your footing and make them reconsider their approach. These tactics won't transform a narcissist, but they'll help you maintain your sanity and assert your boundaries. 1. Keep Your Emotions In Check Narcissists feed off emotional reactions, so keeping your emotions in check is key. They often use your emotional responses to manipulate or gain the upper hand. According to Dr. Craig Malkin, a clinical psychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School, appearing unflappable in the face of a narcissist's provocations can shift the power dynamic. When you stay calm and composed, it deprives them of the emotional leverage they seek. This doesn't mean suppressing your feelings, but rather managing your responses strategically. By controlling your emotions, you're effectively setting boundaries without saying a word. A narcissist might attempt to escalate their tactics, but your composed demeanor can act as a barrier. It signals to them that you're not easily swayed or manipulated. This self-control is empowering and often confounds the narcissist, leaving them uncertain about their next move. Remember, your emotional composure can be your strongest ally. 2. Reiterate Your Boundaries Establishing clear boundaries is crucial when dealing with narcissists. They often lack respect for personal limits and will push as far as they can. By setting firm boundaries, you communicate what is acceptable and what is not. This clarity can prevent a lot of manipulative behavior from the start. It might feel uncomfortable initially, but it's essential for maintaining your mental health. Once you've set these boundaries, it's critical to enforce them consistently. A narcissist will test your limits, so staying firm is crucial. Consistency in enforcing your boundaries will make it clear that you're serious about them. Remember that boundaries aren't about controlling the narcissist but about maintaining your own well-being. This firmness often makes them think twice before overstepping. 3. Keep Private Information Off Limits Narcissists often use personal information to manipulate or control. By limiting what you share, you reduce their arsenal of potential weapons. Studies by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist who has researched narcissism extensively, suggest that withholding personal details can shield you from potential manipulation. Keep conversations on neutral topics and avoid divulging sensitive details about your life. This approach keeps you safeguarded from emotional traps. When you control the flow of information, you maintain the upper hand. Narcissists thrive on knowing your weaknesses, so keeping those private is a form of protection. This doesn't mean being secretive, but rather discerning about what you reveal. Over time, they may lose interest if they can't easily access personal details. This subtle shift in power can make a significant difference in your interactions. 4. Use The Gray Rock Method The Gray Rock Method involves becoming as uninteresting as possible to reduce a narcissist's interest in you. This means keeping interactions bland and avoiding emotional engagement. It's a way to protect yourself from their emotional games by giving them nothing to latch onto. By not reacting or engaging with their provocations, you make yourself less appealing as a target. This technique requires practice but can be quite effective over time. When you embrace the Gray Rock Method, you'll notice a change in how the narcissist interacts with you. They'll likely become frustrated by your lack of response and may look elsewhere for gratification. It's a subtle way to regain some control over the situation. Remember, the goal is not to be rude or dismissive but to protect your own mental space. This approach can be liberating, allowing you to engage on your terms. 5. Adopt An Assertive Communication Style Narcissists can be master manipulators, often twisting words and situations to suit their narrative. Using assertive communication helps you stay grounded and clear in your interactions. Dr. Albert Mehrabian, known for his study on communication, emphasizes the importance of clear verbal expression backed by confident nonverbal cues. Assertive communication involves stating your needs and concerns clearly and respectfully. This approach can deter the narcissist from undermining your words or intentions. When you communicate assertively, you're not aggressive but firm and direct. This clarity can disarm a narcissist, who may be used to exploiting ambiguity. Assertive communication doesn't allow for their manipulative tactics to take root. It's about being straightforward without being confrontational. Over time, they'll realize you're not an easy target for verbal manipulation. 6. Maintain Your Independence Narcissists often seek to undermine your sense of control and independence. It's crucial to maintain your autonomy and not allow them to dictate your actions or decisions. Continue to engage in activities that make you feel empowered and self-sufficient. This not only boosts your confidence but also signals to the narcissist that you cannot be easily swayed. Upholding your independence diminishes their power over you. By cultivating your own interests and life apart from them, you reinforce your boundaries. This independence makes it clear that your life doesn't revolve around them, which can be unsettling to a narcissist. They may attempt to isolate you or downplay your achievements, but your steadfastness can act as a shield. Remember, the more you focus on your growth, the less influence they have. Independence is not only a form of self-care but also a subtle power move. 7. Avoid Engaging In Their Drama Narcissists often thrive on chaos and drama, using it as a tool for manipulation and attention. Avoid being drawn into these situations, as it only gives them more power. Research by Dr. W. Keith Campbell, a psychologist known for his studies on narcissism, shows that engaging in their drama only perpetuates the cycle. Instead, find ways to distance yourself from the turmoil they create. This detachment can significantly reduce their control over you. When you refuse to participate in their drama, you take away their platform. They may try to provoke you or embroil you in conflict, but your refusal to engage is powerful. This doesn't mean avoiding confrontation altogether but being selective about what you engage in. By doing so, you conserve your energy for more meaningful interactions. This strategy can protect your mental well-being and diminish their influence. 8. Practice Daily Self-Care Self-care is crucial when dealing with a narcissist, as it helps maintain your mental and emotional health. Prioritize activities that make you feel good and centered. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or a hobby, ensure you dedicate time to your well-being. This focus on self-care can buffer the negative effects of a narcissist's behavior. The stronger and more balanced you feel, the less impact their actions will have. By taking care of yourself, you reinforce your boundaries and resilience. Narcissists may attempt to belittle or undermine your self-worth, but self-care acts as a counterbalance. It's a way to remind yourself of your own value and priorities. Over time, this practice can shift the power dynamic, as the narcissist realizes their tactics aren't affecting you as intended. Remember, self-care is not indulgence but a necessary form of self-preservation. 9. Use Strategic Silence Strategic silence can be an effective tool when dealing with narcissists. By choosing when to speak and when to remain silent, you control the flow of conversation. This silence can make a narcissist uncomfortable, as they often rely on verbal engagement to manipulate. It's a way of asserting control without confrontation. This selective communication can shift the power dynamic in your favor. When you employ strategic silence, you communicate that you're not obligated to respond to everything. It shows that you're in control of your reactions and engagements. This can frustrate a narcissist, as they often seek immediate feedback to gauge their impact. Silence can be a powerful statement, suggesting that their words or actions aren't worth your response. Remember, it's not about ignoring them completely but being intentional with your engagement. 10. Stay Grounded In Reality Narcissists have a way of distorting reality to fit their narrative, often leaving others questioning their perception. Staying grounded in your own reality is essential to resisting their manipulations. Keep track of facts and trust your instincts. When faced with their distortions, calmly refer back to what you know to be true. This grounding can help you resist being swayed by their version of events. By reinforcing your own reality, you reduce their influence over your thoughts. Narcissists thrive on creating confusion, but your clarity can act as a barrier. This doesn't mean dismissing their perspective entirely, but weighing it against your own understanding. It's about maintaining your own truth amidst their attempts to skew it. This grounding is not only protective but empowering. 11. Seek Support From Your Squad Having a strong support system is vital when dealing with narcissists. Surround yourself with people who understand your situation and can offer encouragement and perspective. Their support can validate your experiences and provide a buffer against the narcissist's tactics. This network can help reinforce your boundaries and maintain your perspective. It's a reminder that you're not alone in the struggle. When you have support, you're less susceptible to the isolation tactics narcissists often employ. These people can offer advice, reassurance, and even challenge your thinking when necessary. They serve as a reality check and offer emotional anchoring. It's important to nurture these relationships and lean on them when needed. Remember, strength in numbers can diminish a narcissist's control. 12. Stay Consistent In Your Actions Consistency is key when maintaining boundaries with a narcissist. They often test limits, looking for cracks in your resolve. By being consistent in your reactions and boundaries, you communicate that you won't be easily swayed. This steadfastness can frustrate a narcissist's attempts to manipulate or control. Consistency is about reinforcing your position through repeated actions. Being consistent doesn't mean being rigid, but rather reliable in your responses. This predictability can reduce their power, as it leaves little room for maneuvering. It's about showing that your principles and boundaries are not negotiable. Over time, this consistency can lead to changed behavior from the narcissist, as they realize their efforts are futile. Remember, consistency is a form of strength in itself. 13. Laser Focus On Solutions Narcissists often fixate on problems to maintain control and create drama. By shifting your focus to solutions, you disrupt their cycle. It's about addressing issues pragmatically rather than getting caught up in the chaos. This solution-oriented approach can be disarming to a narcissist, who thrives on problems. It shifts the power dynamic by moving towards resolution rather than conflict. When you focus on solutions, you demonstrate resourcefulness and independence. It shows you're not reliant on the narcissist for problem-solving. This autonomy can be unsettling for them, as it takes away a potential avenue of control. It's about maintaining a forward-thinking mindset that prioritizes problem resolution over drama. This strategy not only empowers you but can steer interactions in a more positive direction. 14. Be Empathetic Without Enabling Understanding a narcissist's behavior can help you navigate interactions more effectively. While empathy can be a powerful tool, it's crucial not to enable their behavior. Recognize their patterns without excusing or justifying their actions. This balance allows you to protect yourself while understanding their motivations. It's a delicate dance of empathy and self-preservation. By developing empathy, you can anticipate their moves and prepare your responses. This awareness doesn't mean tolerating unacceptable behavior but understanding its roots. It's about maintaining compassion without sacrificing your own boundaries. Over time, this understanding can make your interactions more manageable. Remember, empathy is not about being a doormat but about informed engagement. 15. Walk Away When Things Head South Sometimes, the best move is knowing when to disengage entirely. If a relationship with a narcissist becomes too toxic, walking away might be necessary. It's about recognizing when the cost to your well-being outweighs the benefits of staying. This decision requires courage, but can be the most liberating choice. Walking away is a powerful statement of self-worth. Leaving doesn't mean you've failed, but that you prioritize your mental health. It's an acknowledgment that some battles aren't worth fighting. This act asserts your autonomy and self-respect. It's about taking control of your life and refusing to be a pawn in someone else's game. Remember, sometimes the strongest move is stepping away.

Aussie snorkeller's deadly find 'cruising' in popular rock pool
Aussie snorkeller's deadly find 'cruising' in popular rock pool

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

Aussie snorkeller's deadly find 'cruising' in popular rock pool

A seasoned snorkeller was stunned to spot a small, deadly creature "cruising around" the rock pool he was exploring, telling Yahoo News he may likely "never see one again in my life" despite spending hours of his time under the waves. Scott Gutterson has been diving the waters off Kiama on NSW's South Coast for eight years and, despite getting up close and personal with rays, sharks, and even finding a message-in-a-bottle, he was still overjoyed to find a blue-lined octopus earlier this month. The octopus is one of the most venomous creatures in the ocean. "It was like a 50-cent-sized rock that wasn't moving... I must have got too close because it got defensive and its colour changed a lot," he told Yahoo. It was the distinctive blue lines that drew Scott's attention to the octopus, a clear warning sign from the creature not to get any closer. The blue-lined octopus, a species of the more commonly known blue-ringed octopus, carries enough venom to kill 26 adults within minutes. However, they are usually very timid. Their bite is small and often painless, often only occurring if the creature is picked up. There have been at least three documented deaths and multiple near-fatalities from blue-ringed octopuses, according to the Australian Museum. 👀 Warning to always 'check rock pools' after little boy's deadly beach encounter 😲 Boy's innocent beach mistake with deadly blue-ringed octopus 🥲 Woman pictured 'playing with death' on beach holiday Deadly creature 'hard to spot' in Aussie waters Due to their size and timid nature, few snorkellers are lucky enough to come across blue-lined octopuses in the wild. Scott explained one of his mates has regularly snorkelled at known habitats around Kiama in search of the species, but has left without so much as a glimpse. "My friend has literally gone to places where they know blue octopuses are there, and hasn't been able to find them. They're very little creatures that are hard to spot at the best of times... That's why it was pretty cool to see," he said, explaining he revisited the rock pool twice after the octopus encounter to try to find it again, but had no luck. "It caught me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to see one in the rock pool that day," Scott said. He explained there was great visibility in the shallow rock pool, and his excitement caused people to gather above him, with one passerby even snapping a shot of Scott with the octopus. "To see this little guy just cruising past... it was just amazing." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store