The #1 Predictor of Dating Success? It’s Not What You Think
- Andrea McGinty, Dating Expert
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
I was out running this morning—before the Florida sun hit “broil” mode—when a friend pointed me toward a few comments on my Facebook page. You know the type: “There’s only one man for every five women” (false, by the way). Ah yes, the Internet—the gift that keeps on trolling.
No wonder celebrities hire people to filter their Insta comments. Me? I’m not famous. No handlers here. But those comments got me thinking.
Who Really Meets Someone After 40, 50, 60?
It’s not just model-gorgeous people. Not just CEOs. Not the so-called “lucky ones.” After 25+ years of coaching, I can tell you the #1 predictor isn’t looks or money. It’s happiness.
The happier you are, the higher your success rate in—well—everything. But especially dating.
Why this came up yesterday too? No idea. My husband and I were laughing about this yesterday at the beach. He said, “All I want to do is make you happy.” Sweet, right? But my answer: “You can’t. Only I can make me happy. And only you can make you happy. That’s why together we’re happy.” (BTW, these are not our usual conversations...)
Why It Matters
Happy people don’t spend hours with girlfriends complaining about men.
They don’t stew in negativity.
They attract people because positivity is magnetic.
And happiness isn’t constant—nobody is happy all the time. But overall, happy people tip the scales toward the positive more often.
I love Arthur Brooks—the “happiness professor.” No psychobabble, just common sense. Data-driven. Strategic. He even has a quick quiz (2 minutes!) that nails your emotional style: Arthur Brooks PANAS Quiz.
And in my own 2025 bestselling book 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating, I included 15 worksheets. The one I consider most important? “Am I Ready to Start Dating Again?” It’s really a happiness check disguised as a mindset quiz. (it’s the 2nd one in the book). Again strategic and data-driven.
So What If You’re Not Happy Right Now?
That’s okay. Happiness is a muscle—you can strengthen it. Here are five ways to shift the balance:
Talk It Out: Therapy or a bereavement group can help you process what’s weighing you down.
Get Out of Yourself: Volunteering shifts focus from “my problems” to helping others—instant perspective.
Move Your Body: Exercise doesn’t just tone your arms; it boosts endorphins and clears your head.
Feed Your Mind: Self-help books, podcasts, or journaling can rewire your outlook little by little.
Hire a Coach: Sometimes you need an outside voice (yes, that’s me!) to reset your mindset and get you moving forward.
Final Word
Happiness isn’t your Instagram vacation reel. It’s not the designer clothes, the luxury kitchen, or the killer pool. It’s inner. It’s attitude.
Find some happiness. Then call me.
xo, Andrea ❤️
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