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Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where Americans Spend Most on First Dates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new survey has revealed how much Americans are willing to spend on a first date—and the answer varied widely depending on where they live. The poll of 2,000 adults, conducted nationally, asked: "What's the maximum amount you would pay for a first date if you were the one paying?" The results show significant regional differences, with the Northeast emerging as the region most willing to spend big, and the Midwest the most modest. The data shows that Americans across the country say they are willing to spend an average of $125.60 on a first date. When broken down by region, the numbers reveal the exact contrasts: Northeast: $138.40 West: $133.00 Southeast: $124.50 Southwest: $116.10 Midwest: $118.50 The Northeast not only topped the national average but also had higher proportions of people willing to spend in premium price ranges. For instance, 10 percent of respondents in the region said they would spend between $151 and $200, and 4 percent said they would go over $300—more than any other region. Meanwhile, the Midwest had the highest percentage of budget-conscious daters, with 25 percent saying they would cap spending at $50 or less. Only 1 percent in the Midwest said they would consider spending more than $350. Interestingly, the most-common spending range across all regions was $51 to $100, with 34 percent of respondents in every region selecting it. The cost of living seems to be a significant factor influencing how much people are willing to spend on a first date, marriage and family therapist Aly Bullock told Newsweek. "If you're used to paying more for everything, you're likely willing to spend more on a first date," Bullock said. "It could also be influenced by the types of activities and restaurants available in your area, but I don't think these numbers are different enough to indicate much about first-date values or expectations." When it comes to the relationship between spending more and relationship success, Bullock, who is also the head of relationships at dating app Paired, advised that it's best to find a balance in spending. "You want to be right in the middle," she said. "Spending too much can look like love-bombing and set you up for unrealistic expectations in the relationship, and spending nothing can indicate that you're not super excited about making a great impression. "A happy medium lets the person know that you're responsible, thoughtful, and also have boundaries with someone you just met." This random double-opt-in survey was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
People Are Using AI As Couple's Therapy — And Experts Are Giving It A Side-Eye
Picture this: You're at brunch with a friend opening up about her marriage struggles. As she shares, you offer the classic advice: better communication, more date nights, maybe trying couples therapy. All solid suggestions, but now there's a new player in the relationship-help arena: artificial intelligence. TikTok is now filled with videos promoting AI as an alternative to traditional therapy. One creator demonstrates using ChatGPT to craft the perfect text: 'Help me write a message telling my husband his not listening hurt my feelings, though I'm not angry.' Another creatorexcitedly promotes ChatGPT as a marriage counseling substitute for those who find therapy unaffordable. This raises important questions: Are we truly at a point where AI can meaningfully support our most intimate relationships? Could artificial intelligence actually strengthen marriages, or is it merely a quick fix that falls short of addressing deeper issues? Experts weigh in on the ways marital and relationship struggles may benefit or suffer from this tool. Artificial intelligence is now weaving itself into the delicate fabric of our most intimate relationships, and this includes a growing number of AI-powered relationship tools. Apps like Replika offer AI companionship through simulated supportive conversations, while platforms such as Paired and Lasting provide couples with personalized guidance and interactive quizzes. More sophisticated options like Woebot apply cognitive-behavioral therapy principles to help users process emotional conflicts. Innovations like The Ring create an 'emotional telepathy' between partners by tracking biometric data such as heart rhythms and vocal tones to reveal emotional states even when couples are physically apart. Why would someone trust something faceless and digital with their deepest relationship struggles? According to Dr. Judy Ho, board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, the appeal is multi-faceted: 'People are drawn to AI because it offers immediate feedback, anonymity and 24/7 access. It seems to also help people feel they are not alone because so much of AI is very conversational in its application. It's especially appealing for individuals who might be hesitant to engage in therapy due to stigma, cost or logistical barriers.' Unlike traditional therapy, which requires building rapport over time, AI creates an immediate comfort zone by opening communication patterns and offering evidence-based strategies to improve relationship dynamics. Even seeking out couples therapy can be daunting. When couples can access relationship guidance privately, affordably and without judgment at any hour of the day, they're more likely to address issues before they become insurmountable. This accessibility factor alone may explain why many couples are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence as their first line of relationship support. While AI offers convenient relationship support, serious limitations exist before we crown these digital tools as our relationship gurus. Dr. Ho highlights perhaps the most fundamental flaw: AI simply cannot match the nuanced human intuition, authentic empathy and contextual understanding that meaningful relationship work requires. 'AI tools cannot replace the emotional depth and flexibility of real therapeutic conversations,' Ho emphasizes. 'They may oversimplify complex issues like trauma, trust breaches or deep-seated resentment.' This one-size-fits-all approach falls short when addressing the unique complexities of individual relationships, where context is everything. Privacy concerns represent another major red flag. The intimate details couples share with AI platforms may not have the same protection as information disclosed to human therapists bound by confidentiality laws. In an era of frequent data breaches, these vulnerable disclosures could potentially be exposed. Christopher Kaufmann, adjunct professor of business at Southern California State University points to this regulatory gap: 'We have HIPAA concerns as almost all language learning models learn from the user interactions over time,' he said. 'Thus privacy issues are in the grey area here as legislators are fighting to catch up.' While human therapists operate under strict confidentiality guidelines, AI systems exist in a murky regulatory landscape. Certified sexologist and relational tech expert Kaamna Bhojwani adds that AI systems remain fundamentally imperfect, often providing information that can be inaccurate or biased. She acknowledges that while basic guidance may be helpful, AI is simply not equipped to handle critical situations involving mental illness, suicide risk or culturally sensitive issues. Bhojwani raises another concerning possibility: 'There is a risk of forming addictive and antisocial relationships with these technologies and viewing them as a substitute instead of a complement to human relationships.' Rather than strengthening real human connections, over-reliance on AI could potentially undermine the very relationships people are trying to improve. So if you and your partner are on thin ice, think about these limitations before approaching AI with blind enthusiasm. The growing popularity of AI relationship tools raises the question on whether these digital assistants will replace traditional couples therapy. On balance of AI's value compared to its inherent limitations, experts say not yet. 'AI is augmenting therapy, not replacing it,' said Ho. 'It's serving as a bridge for many who might otherwise avoid traditional counseling.' She characterizes AI tools as 'first responders' that can effectively handle everyday relationship maintenance and minor issues by providing quick resources. However, when facing deeper wounds and entrenched negative patterns, human therapists remain irreplaceable. Bhojwani acknowledges that AI models will continue to improve with more data, making their outputs increasingly sophisticated. Nevertheless, she remains skeptical about AI dominating relationship therapy. 'I think it's naive to think that any one intervention or tool can 'fix' or break a relationship,' Bhojwani said. 'Human discernment and agency still play a critical role, especially in how we ask the questions, assess the responses, and implement changes in our lives.' Kaufman adds an important perspective on boundaries. 'As with any relationship, the key is setting boundaries, something we all have challenges with. Using AI to build emotional intelligence skills can be effective, but it's the user's responsibility to focus on the person's behavior and realize how to accept or not accept that behavior.' The consensus among experts points to a future where AI serves as a valuable complementary tool in relationship health, but requires getting all parties on board, recognizing when it's inappropriate to use it for help, and seeking professional help when required. Mark Zuckerberg Thinks AI 'Friends' Can Solve The Loneliness Crisis. Here's What AI Experts Think. I Asked My Students To Write An Essay About Their Lives. The Reason 1 Student Began To Panic Left Me Stunned. ChatGPT Was Asked To List Everyone Trump Has Called 'A Low-IQ Individual' — And It's Pretty Racist
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Wild Ways Today's Couples Are Redefining Commitment In 2025
In 2025, commitment doesn't look like it used to—and that's by design. Marriage is no longer the default, monogamy isn't assumed, and couples are rewriting the rulebook to better reflect how they actually live, love, and evolve. Whether it's through tech-enabled intimacy contracts, long-distance cohabitation, or non-linear relationship arcs, today's partners are choosing connection on their own terms—and rejecting the scripts they were handed. From Forever to Fluid The 'forever' narrative is losing steam. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that only 43% of Gen Z and Millennials believe marriage is essential for a successful life, a drop from previous generations. Instead, couples are opting for renewable relationship contracts that get revisited annually. Think: emotional prenups, flexible timelines, and built-in checkpoints to assess satisfaction and goals. It's not cynical—it's conscious. Solo Spaces, Shared Love Living together? Not required. Many modern couples are embracing LAT (Living Apart Together) relationships. Whether for mental health, career flexibility, or just personal space, separate addresses no longer spell trouble. In fact, some psychologists argue that LAT can actually foster more intimacy and autonomy. As Dr. Bella DePaulo stated, 'Togetherness is not one-size-fits-all. It's about the quality of connection, not the quantity of cohabitation.' Emotional Monogamy, Sexual Fluidity In 2025, many couples are ditching the binary of monogamous vs. polyamorous. Instead, emotional exclusivity is being prioritized, while sexual exploration is negotiated with nuance. 'We're seeing more couples discuss their boundaries with radical transparency,' says sex therapist Vanessa Marin. 'It's not about cheating—it's about designing a sex life that reflects your values, not your fears' (source). Money Talks (And Contracts Walk) Finances have become their own love language. Instead of merging everything, many couples maintain financial independence with side-by-side bank accounts and mutual spreadsheets. Others draw up relationship contracts that outline responsibilities, goals, and even exit plans. It's not transactional—it's transparent. According to a 2024 Bankrate report, 61% of couples say financial autonomy actually improves trust. AI as a Third Party Believe it or not, artificial intelligence is joining the chat. AI therapists and relationship bots are helping couples mediate conflict, track emotional patterns, and even offer guided conversation prompts. Apps like Paired and Relish now include AI-generated insights based on partner data. 'It's like having a nonjudgmental couples therapist in your pocket,' said one user. Queering the Love Script Queer couples have long modeled relationship diversity—now, the mainstream is catching up. Terms like 'relationship anarchy' and 'platonic life partners' are entering the cultural lexicon, as more people embrace love that transcends labels. Friendship-based partnerships, multi-partner dynamics, and aromantic arrangements are gaining visibility and validity. The Takeaway? Build Your Own Blueprint The future of commitment isn't less serious—it's more intentional. In 2025, love is no longer defined by white dresses, picket fences, or legal status. It's defined by clarity, communication, and co-creation. Whether that means a decade-long situationship, a co-parenting pact without romance, or a yearly love audit, today's couples are proving that the most meaningful relationships are the ones they invent for themselves.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AIIMS Raipur performs Chhattisgarh's 1st swap kidney transplant
1 2 Raipur: In a landmark medical feat, AIIMS Raipur has become the first among the newer AIIMS institutes and the first government hospital in Chhattisgarh to successfully perform a Swap Kidney Transplant , also known as Kidney Paired Donation (KPD). This achievement marks a major step forward in advanced renal care for the region. Swap transplants are designed for patients with willing but incompatible kidney donors—due to mismatched blood types or HLA antibodies—by pairing them with another incompatible duo. The donor from each pair gives a kidney to the recipient from the other pair, ensuring compatibility and successful transplantation. In this case, two patients from Bilaspur, aged 39 and 41, had been on dialysis for three years. Their wives offered to donate kidneys but were found incompatible. However, a successful swap was arranged: the first pair had blood groups B+ and O+, and the second O+ and B+. The surgeries took place on March 15, 2025, and all four individuals are recovering well under close supervision in the Transplant ICU. Dr Vinay Rathore said that nearly half of potential kidney donors are rejected due to incompatibility. He stated, "Swap transplants are a lifeline for patients who have willing but incompatible donors. Timely transplant offers improved survival and quality of life than dialysis for ESRD patients. A meticulous matching and planning is required for the swap transplant. It also requires special approval from SOTTO, Chhattisgarh, and is permitted only between close relatives of the patient. NOTTO recently directed all states on 16 April 2025, to implement swap organ transplants so that the benefits of transplant can reach those patients who face biological incompatibility with their prospective donor". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Dr Amit Sharma, HoD of Urology, highlighted the complexity of such surgeries. Unlike standard transplants, swap procedures demand months of coordination and the simultaneous operation of four OTs with dedicated teams to prevent donor withdrawal. The multidisciplinary team included Drs. Vinay Rathore, Amit R Sharma, Deepak Biswal, Satyadeo Sharma, Subrat Singha, Mayank, Jitendra, and Sarita Ramchandani. Lt Gen Ashok Jindal (Retd), Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, lauded and congratulated the team for this pioneering effort, especially amid the scarcity of nephrologists and urologists. He also announced the upcoming inauguration of a 20-bed Renal Transplant Unit to further strengthen advanced kidney care in the state. He appealed to patients to approach AIIMS Raipur primarily for treatments not available at smaller centres, to help manage patient load and ensure focused specialist care.
