• Teachers and doctors among the top professions looking for love
• Men begin their quest for love much sooner than women, as 32% more men in their 20s are looking for an online date than women

Another year, another Valentine’s Day, and for singletons it can be a frustrating time. However, we have cause to be more positive this year as research from Guardian Soulmates today reveals that there are far more eligible single men and women than we may have expected. Ever wondered where all the doctors are? All the teachers? Mr/Mrs Right you expected to have married by now? Well they’re on your doorstep, and more importantly, they’re single!

From its dating database of over 200,000 singletons, Guardian Soulmates has found that there are more teachers and academics looking for love than any other profession, with media professionals and doctors coming in second and third respectively. And it’s not just doctors and teachers; those who own their own businesses are also up there with the UK’s most eligible singles, making up 5% of the sites daters.

Sectors with the most single men and women:

1. Education

2. Media

3. Health

4. Self-employed

5. Finance

6. Marketing / PR

7. Third sector

8. IT / telecoms

9. Government

 

Encouragingly our teachers and doctors don’t all fall into one group, and there are opportunities to meet your match regardless of age. Guardian Soulmates’ research shows that men and women in their 30s are the most prevalent daters; of those on the dating website 31% of men and 34% of women are in their 30s. There’s good news for those in their 20s too, particularly any young ladies who are apprehensive about getting online for a date before they turn 30, as 32% more men in their 20s are looking for an online date than women at the same age. Not only are men getting online early, they’re also continuing their quest for love in later life. The research also shows a trend that there are equal numbers of men and women in their 40s and 50s looking for love.

Age does, however, appear to define the type of date you may wish to go on this Valentine’s Day. The research reveals that there are trends in dating patterns across age groups, and even across regions. Those in their twenties are least likely to cook a romantic meal for two, whilst 79% of 30-something daters are cooking enthusiasts and would prefer a comfy night in. For those who believe the way to the heart is through the stomach, London and the North West are fertile dating grounds, as 67% of daters in London and 40% in the North West are cooking fans. Surprisingly, if you want to impress a lady you’re better off asking her out for a drink than a dinner date as 64% of single women enjoy a drink, versus just over half of single men (53%).