Quiz: Why Are You Still Single?
Curious to see why you’re still single? Take this seven-question quiz developed by self-help dating author Brianna McCabe:
1. When dating someone new, what’s the first thing you consider?
A) How confident or physically attractive they are.
B) How well they fit into my schedule.
C) How quickly they seem to get attached.
D) How they compare to my exes.
E) How many boxes they check off my list.
2. How do you typically approach dating apps or online dating?
A) I only swipe right on the hottest profiles.
B) I honestly don’t have much time for dating apps.
C) I am hesitant to actually meet in person.
D) I like to constantly scroll to see what’s out there.
E) I only swipe right if I found the perfect match.
3. Why did most of your prior relationships end?
A) They didn’t keep my attention long-term.
B) I decided to prioritize my career instead.
C) They got way too serious for my liking.
D) Cheating.
E) They didn’t meet all of my standards.
4. What’s your reaction when someone shows strong interest in you? I’m flattered, but_______.
A) it depends on my physical attraction to the person.
B) i’m usually too busy responding to emails or texts.
C) I become awkward and shy away from further interaction.
D) they’re not the only person in the room i’m looking at.
E) I need to know more about them.
5. How do you feel about vulnerability in romantic relationships?
A) I prefer to stay more surface-level.
B) I don’t mind being vulnerable, but getting to know someone isn’t a quick process.
C) I don’t really like opening up.
D) I could see myself being vulnerable with one or more partners.
E) I’ll be vulnerable only if they prove themselves first.
6. How do you spend your free time?
A) Out socializing and meeting new people.
B) Tackling things on my to-do list.
C) Alone or with my close group of family or friends.
D) Constantly seeking a new adventure.
E) Pursuing personal growth and sticking to my routine.
7. My biggest fear when it comes to romantic relationships is _________.
A) Pouring myself into the wrong partner.
B) I’ll stretch myself out too thin between all of my other obligations.
C) Letting someone in and losing my independence.
D) Settling.
E) Having to compromise too much.
If you answered mostly a’s…
You go after the wrong ones.
You appear to have a tendency to chase after individuals with charm, good looks, and confidence — leading to more surface-level connections. By deprioritizing emotional compatibility and shared values, a void is created when it comes to the creation of more meaningful connections. A cycle of short-lived relationships may be part of your past, where superficial allure overshadows deeper connection. If a relationship is what you seek, consider what draws you to these characteristics and instead start to focus on balancing emotional and intellectual compatibility alongside physical attraction.
If you answered mostly b’s…
Dating isn’t your priority.
It appears that your career and personal ambitions are taking precedence over romantic pursuits. While ambition and drive is commendable, it might be worth reflecting on whether or not this lifestyle is a way to avoid vulnerability and emotional intimacy. It may also be worthwhile to consider if you may be missing out on meaningful connections due to a perceived lack of time. If a relationship is something you seek, try balancing your professional goals with your personal, romantic ones — and further consider if your time constraints are self-imposed or if you have a bit more flexibility. Finding balance could open up possibilities for true love.
If you answered mostly c’s…
You fear commitment.
You appear to struggle with a fear of commitment which makes you feel unsure about deepening connections with others. This hesitation could stem from past experiences that have made you cautious, unhealed trauma, or low self-esteem. This protective instinct might make you feel like you’re defending yourself within a shield of armor. However, by reinforcing this belief that avoiding commitment is safer than putting yourself out there, you may ultimately feel unfulfilled and miss opportunities for connection. If a relationship is something you yearn for, reflect on what drives these fears and gradually allow yourself to feel vulnerable.
If you answered mostly d’s…
You keep your options open.
You prefer to keep your options open when dating, either due to wanting to avoid making a premature commitment or yearning to explore other potential partners. Either way, while this approach may feel liberating and exciting, it often leads to half-baked connections. This tendency to avoid fully investing in one relationship may stem from unhealed abandonment wounds. As a result, You may start to feel lonely and frustrated amidst a pool of what you hoped were endless possibilities. Instead, reflect on whether this behavior serves your long-term relationship goals or if it keeps you in a cycle of indecision.
If you answered mostly e’s…
Your standards are too rigid.
While having high standards can be a positive trait, this might lead to dismissing great potential partners who don’t fit your exact criteria. Being too specific and seeking nothing but perfection can lead to unrealistic expectations or a reluctance to settle for anything less than ideal. This unwillingness to bend your dating checklist could be hindering your ability to appreciate and connect with a partner who might surprise you in ways you hadn’t anticipated. Reflect on whether your criteria are serving you or if they are potentially closing you off from potential connections.
Sometimes we are the red flag in dating because unresolved personal issues, like emotional baggage, insecurities, or commitment fears, affect how we approach relationships. When we don't address these patterns, they can keep us single. To start your personal growth journey, The Red Flags I’ve (Repeatedly) Ignored can serve as a valuable tool.