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OkCupid and Thumbtack Reveal The Role Household Habits Play in Dating and Relationships

Cuffing Season is officially here, and as the temperature drops, daters are heating things up…with their eyes on more than just you. A recent survey from leading dating app OkCupid in partnership with Thumbtack, the go-to app for everything home-related, revealed that your home could be the ultimate deal maker or deal breaker.

Green Flags: What Makes Your Home Match-Worthy
It turns out, the way you live says a lot about you. Daters notice — and love — small details that hint at personality, cleanliness, and creativity:

• Clean and organized: 77% of respondents say a tidy home is an instant green flag
• Bathroom sparkle: 75% notice a bathroom stocked with soap and a clean towel
• Book lovers unite: 63% are drawn to shelves filled with books, records, or art
• Kitchen cred: 58% appreciate a kitchen that looks used and loved
• Plant parent points: 41% love seeing thriving greenery

Even little touches — like made beds, neat shoes, and framed photos — can signal a partner who’s thoughtful, attentive, and maybe worth a second date.

Red Flags: What Makes You Bolt
Conversely, some home habits scream “run for the hills,” including:

• Mess everywhere: Dirty dishes or takeout boxes (75%) and overflowing trash (59%) are instant turn-offs
• Bathroom chaos: Dirty bathrooms (71%) and no shower curtain (53%) make daters think twice
• Furniture fails: Folding chairs as primary seating (37%) or a mattress on the floor (51%) are major ick triggers
• Odor and oddities: Weird smells (66%) and neglected pets or dead plants (32%) are serious mood killers

For 34% of daters, these home habits have even ended relationships. Ouch.

Dream Homes: What Daters Secretly Hope For

When imagining their ideal partner’s pad, respondents dream big but cozy:

• 29% want a super comfy couch (perfect for binge-watching together)
• 19% care about quality bedding (Cuffing Season is all about comfort)
• 18% want a backyard or outdoor space (because love in the fresh air is underrated)
• 15% hope for a kitchen island to cook together (afterall food is its own love language)

And let’s not forget the little luxuries: fireplaces, reading nooks, and even a great coffee setup can give you major brownie points.

Make It Date-Ready
Most daters (65%) admit they spruce up their homes before inviting someone over, usually by decluttering and cleaning. Want someone to come back after the first date? Fun games (33%), cute pets (22%), and a killer music collection (11%) increase your chances. Bonus points if you can start a fire…literally or figuratively.

Handy Is Hot
Turns out, being handy isn’t just practical, it’s sexy. More than half of OkCupid respondents (57%) call it a total green flag, and another 35% say it’s a nice bonus. So yes, your ability to fix a leaky faucet could help you fix your love life too.

Make Your Home a Green Flag

Your home can say a lot about you. Sometimes before you even get a chance to. Here are some quick tips to help your space feel date-ready and increase your Cuffing Season chances:

1. Keep it clean, but not clinical.

A tidy, organized home is a major green flag. Focus on key areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. A little decluttering goes a long way. Using decorative baskets can help conceal a bunch of small items while appearing to look put together. Having a simple organization system that tucks clutter away is an easy way to make a great first impression.

2. Show your personality.

Books, records, plants, or framed photos add character and conversation starters. These touches make your home feel warm and lived-in. Don’t feel pressure to have the most perfect place, it’s where you live not a museum. Add pieces to your home that remind you of good times or create a relaxing atmosphere.

3. Cozy comforts win hearts.

Think soft blankets, comfy seating, and a stocked snack drawer. Small touches signal thoughtfulness and invite your date to relax. Not only do these things make your date more comfortable, but another way to make your home more relaxing for you to enjoy.

4. Don’t ignore the little details.

Clean towels, soap in the bathroom, and fresh bedding might seem minor, but they’re noticed and appreciated. There’s nothing worse than using someone’s bathroom and there’s no toilet paper. Make sure you’re stocked up on all the essentials to avoid any added stress for your date.

5. Make your home date-friendly.

Games, music, or even a small DIY activity can turn a first visit into a memorable evening. Inviting someone into your home is personal and a great place to get to know someone. Using the intimate setting to get to know them and them to know you.

“Cuffing Season is all about connection, and your home is a reflection of who you are,” said Michael Kaye, Head of Brand at OkCupid. “Small touches like cleanliness, comfort, and personality can make a big difference in sparking chemistry and showing your potential partner that you care.”

Bottom Line: Your home is more than a backdrop for romance, it’s a reflection of your values, habits, and personality. With Cuffing Season in full swing, a clean, welcoming, and slightly fun space could make all the difference between a cozy night in and a “thanks, but no thanks.”

So, grab a broom, fluff those pillows, and maybe light a candle or two — your next great love might just be standing at your door.

Media contact: MichaelK@OkCupid.com