#Choosiness

A new study finds that how people express choosiness links to partnered sex in opposite ways.
The study may change how singles, therapists, and educators view modern dating (Archives of Sexual Behavior) (study).

The research matters because partnered sex affects wellbeing and relationship satisfaction.
International surveys show rising sexual inactivity among young adults in recent decades (study background).

The team surveyed 340 single heterosexual adults aged 18 to 40 in the United States.
They measured choosiness two ways and asked about sexual activity in the past year (study).

A new study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior uncovers a paradox that could reshape how young Thais approach modern romance. As dating apps rise alongside family expectations and career pressures, being too picky or too quick to judge can both help and hurt.

The research shows a clear split between what people say they want and how they choose in real profiles. Thai singles who clearly articulate their relationship standards—what psychologists call “stated choosiness”—reported more romantic and sexual connections over the past year. But when those same individuals evaluated dating profiles, they tended to be more selective, accepting fewer potential matches, and often experiencing less romantic success. This contrast suggests that thinking carefully about one’s standards is not always mirrored in quick, appearance-driven judgments on apps.

Groundbreaking psychological research has uncovered a startling paradox in how romantic selectivity affects intimate relationships, revealing that different expressions of choosiness produce completely opposite effects on sexual satisfaction and partnership success. The findings challenge decades of conventional wisdom about dating strategies while providing crucial insights for Thailand’s evolving relationship landscape, where traditional courtship values intersect with modern dating applications and changing social expectations.

The study’s implications resonate powerfully throughout Thai society, where rising marriage ages, urbanization pressures, and digital dating platforms are reshaping how young adults approach romantic relationships and sexual intimacy. Understanding this choosiness paradox could help Thai singles navigate increasingly complex dating environments while maintaining cultural values that emphasize family harmony and long-term relationship stability.