As we say goodbye to 2025, we took a deep dive into what really mattered most to you this year. From texting habits to green flags, we surveyed Mutual daters around the world to bring you this year’s dating stats and insights. Together, your responses paint a picture of an LDS dating community that’s optimistic and ready for real-life connection. 

Want to see how this year compares to last year? Check out our 2024 report here.

Let’s get into the highlights–your 2025 dating trends, stats, and stories:

You can catch feelings over text (and you definitely did)

We kicked things off with a question your group chat has definitely debated: Can you fall for someone you’ve only texted?

According to 69% of you, the answer is yes, it’s possible. 

Honestly, we get it. Texting is a huge part of modern dating, and sometimes the vibe shows up before the first date does. Just make sure you’re also feeling those same sparks face to face before you start planning your joint Costco membership.

Same name, no shame

Plot twist of the year:

89% of you said you would consider dating someone with the same name as your ex, 

That’s either extremely mature of you or proof that a name can’t ruin a good connection. (Even if it might feel like deja vu.) Either way, we’re impressed.

Don’t ghost the follow-up

Mutual daters do not want to play games.

When asked how long you should wait to message someone after a first date, 96% of you said that you should message within 24 hours.

This means the era of “wait three days” is officially dead. You want clarity, confidence, and a little courage, and honestly, we love that for you. It’s the energy every healthy relationship needs.

Not sure what to send after the first date? Read our guide on how to keep the conversation rolling.

Top green flags of 2025

We asked for your oddly specific green flags, and wow, did you deliver. You mentioned everything from “the TikTok bird trend,” to “carries snacks just in case,” to “spends a lot of time with their grandma,” to “wants to enter the temple holding hands.” (Awww! 🥰)

Among the chaos, there were four clear top green-flag categories:

1. Hobbies – You want someone with passions, someone who’s more than a selfie. Whether it’s a shared hobby or just having something they light up talking about, you ranked personal interests as a major green flag. Don’t be afraid to show what you’re into because that’s what makes you YOU!
2. Family – Not shocking for a church-centered dating app: family values matter. A lot. Being close with family, wanting to start a family, and valuing family life were all top indicators of “this could be something.” 
3. Pictures – Quality photos = major green flag. You shouted out profiles with real, clear, authentic pictures that didn’t include (or ask for) anything inappropriate. But don’t get it twisted, only 4% of all responses cared about looks specifically. The rest focused on the story your photos tell. (Read why your photos may be the reason people are swiping down on you.)
4. Temple –  Not surprisingly, temple participation, temple goals, and having an active recommend all ranked as strong signs of long-term potential for LDS daters on Mutual.

And the best part? 

All four of these green-flag categories can be showcased on your Mutual profile.🤯

Interest tags are a powerful way to show what matters most to you, from hobbies, interests, and personality to faith and values. Just remember: shared interests help spark a great connection, but they’re not the whole recipe for a happy and healthy relationship. Look for common ground, but don’t be afraid to give someone different a chance!

Curious what the most common interests were for people you liked last year?

👉Check out your personalized 2025 debrief!

Worst “linger-longer” food of the year:

You were more united on this than practically anything else:

🏅 Jell-o: the official “please no” of 2025 church linger-longers

Gelatin may jiggle, but apparently it does not spark joy. So take note: if you see someone cute at your ward linger-longer, you can connect over your shared dislike of the jell-o salad your bishop’s wife lovingly (and unavoidably) brought.

You make a near perfect match (demographically)

When we looked at Mutual app demographics in 2025, the dating odds were *chef’s kiss* level good. 🤌

53% male and 47% female.

That’s about as close to 50/50 as the dating pool gets, which means your odds of finding someone weren’t just good, they were mathematically working in your favor.

Where you’re dating from:

Finding your eternal companion isn’t just a Utah thing, it’s an everywhere thing. Mutual daters logged in from all over the world this year.

Top States: 

1. Utah
2. Idaho
3. Arizona
4. California
5. Texas

Top Countries:

1. United States
2. Brazil
3. Mexico
4. Peru
5. Columbia

We love hearing stories about couples who met on Mutual, whether they lived continents apart of just down the street. Read real Mutual love stories on our blog!

Your word for 2026: Hopeful

For the third year in a row, the top word you’re bringing into the new year is hopeful. 

Whether you’re hopeful about going on more dates, meeting your person, or simply enjoying dating again, we’re hopeful for you too.

Here’s to a hopeful 2026

Thanks for an incredible year on Mutual. 2025 was fun, heartfelt, and honestly a little weird for a lot of us, but in the best possible way because it was shaped by you. Your stories, feedback, honesty, and optimism is what makes Mutual so special. We couldn’t do this without you.

Thanks for an unforgettable year.

Here’s to an even better 2026.

Ready to bring that energy into 2026? 

👉 Start your year with new matches on Mutual.