Global Love Report – Sep 24th, 2025
English summary by Margaret
IBJ Inc., a matchmaking company based in Tokyo, conducted a survey through its IBJ Matching App Research Lab involving 1,889 users of its marriage-focused dating app, Bridal Net. The goal was to understand when users consider it ideal to meet in person after matching online. Of the total respondents, 1,404 were men and 485 were women.
Men: Preference for Early Meetings and the Importance of Smooth Communication
Most male respondents preferred to meet soon after matching. Over 80% said they would like to meet either immediately or within two to three weeks of starting communication. This indicates a strong interest among men in progressing to in-person meetings relatively quickly.
Despite this, some men chose to delay meeting due to communication issues. The most common reason was that conversations didn’t flow well. Some also felt dissatisfied when their match didn’t take the initiative in starting or maintaining dialogue. Several respondents mentioned that they often had to lead the conversation themselves and tended to be more interested in matches who could actively contribute to the exchange.
When asked what made them want to meet someone, most men pointed to clear and polite communication. The ability to listen attentively and having shared topics or interests were also important factors. These responses suggest that for men, comfortable and respectful communication is key before agreeing to meet in person.
Women: A More Cautious and Varied Approach
Female respondents showed a more cautious and diverse range of preferences regarding when to meet. About 14% said they preferred to meet after exchanging messages for more than a month, a noticeably higher percentage than among men. This suggests that many women prefer to build trust and familiarity before moving forward.
Age differences were also reflected in the results. Women in their 30s were the most likely to meet early, with around 80% saying they preferred to meet immediately or within two to three weeks. Meanwhile, women in their 20s showed a different pattern: 22.2% said they preferred to have a phone or video call before meeting in person, the highest rate across all age groups. This trend reflects communication habits common among younger, digitally native users.
In terms of what made them hesitant to meet, women also cited poor conversation flow. In addition, many expressed concern when matches suggested meeting too soon. Some said they felt uncertain about the other person’s intentions, especially when the suggestion to meet came early in the interaction.
Another common concern was the difference between online profiles and real-life appearances. Many women said they worried their match might look different from their photos or profile, and some were equally concerned about how they themselves would be perceived. These responses highlight a strong focus on honesty, comfort, and trust during the early stages of communication.
Originally published by: PR TIMES
