According to the Sputnik daily omnibus survey data, Russian women choose men based on honesty, kindness and reliability.

MOSCOW, February 13, 2017. In anticipation of the St Valentine’s Day, Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of a survey devoted to the mate preferences of men and women.

As the proverb says, “A man falls in love through his eyes, a woman through her ears”; the survey data proves that.

Women’s beauty is appreciated by 27% of men. At the same time, male respondents say that intellect plays an important role too (17%). Men also like sincere (15%) and kind (13%) girls who are also good housekeepers (9%).

Women can be attracted by honest (23%), kind (20%) and reliable (16%) men. Trustworthy (15%), masculine (12%), hard-working (11%), smart (11%), and caring (10%) men have high chances. At the same time, there are universal values that they both share in the same way. In particular, the percentages of women and men who appreciate fidelity and understanding are almost equal (7% of men and women; 6% of men and 4% of women, respectively).

As to “where” to look for the future wife/husband, 43% of Russians think that it is better to start with the circle of friends. Every fourth (26%) would prefer someone among fellow students or colleagues.   These choices are shaped by personal experiences: circle of friends and corporate environment are at the top of the list of places where respondents found their soul mates (37% and 28%, respectively).

According to Sputnik omnibus survey, the top five ideal places to meet someone include hobby clubs, various courses (18%), concerts and performances (16%), streets (14%). However in fact respondents rarely happened to find the other half there: only 4% mentioned courses and hobby clubs; 1% - theaters and philharmonics; 9% - street.

Women are more likely than men to cite circle of friends (49% vs 35%) and workplace (29% vs 22%) as a starting point, whereas men would rather initiate a conversation in the street  (19% vs 9%) or in any other public place (12% vs 6%). Young respondents aged 18-24 (32%) prefer hobby centers and courses; every fourth (26%) – street; every fifth (21%) – Internet; these shares make up 16%, 8% and 7%, respectively, for respondents aged 45-59.

Sputnik omnibus survey was conducted by VCIOM on February 5-6, 2017, using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of landline and mobile phone numbers operating in Russia, and involved 1200 respondents. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 3.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.

A household survey was conducted in 2013.

* These answer options were not proposed in 2017; they referred to “other”.

Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!