One finding in my doctoral dissertation (which was on interpersonal motivation, in fact) was that losing a job frequently arouses (temporarily) an anxious form of Affiliation motivation, meaning the desire to be with others on a personal level (as opposed to professional). Thus, people who have suffered a separation from their job often have increased need to look for love, so to speak. Or to put it yet another way, they are worried about being in a relationship.

This might not make someone the best date, since they are likely to be anxious about the outcome or lack thereof, but certainly they are genuinely interested, at least for now!

Kelner, Stephen P., Jr. (1991). Interpersonal Motivation: Cynical, Positive, and Anxious. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Boston University.

Times are tough, time to find Mr. Right-now.

As my career outlook and earnings continue to improve, I become fussier. I want someone at least as motivated and successful as me: no freeloaders.

Two may no longer live as cheaply as one, but the household with two wage-earners is better set to weather economic storms. If one of you loses a job, the house still has money coming in, maybe an employer providing health insurance, etc. In the time of layoffs, the economic costs of going it alone become a lot more apparent.

Not romantic, but a definite incentive for seeking a long-term partner. I bet there is an uptick in people seeking roommates, too; why not seek one who could also be your soulmate?

Actually, my unemployment benefits would be higher than the actual income for many. Loss of job, doesn't necessarily mean loss of all income....not to mention the financial cushion that I already have in place. Let's not pretend that single income families head straight to the poor house after job loss.

In the hurry to get to the money quote from OKCupid's founder, the post fails to mention a very relevant detail--the site is free, while others charge. I also enjoyed the site's sense of humor.

Fast-forward four years--I'm married to a woman I met through the site and we're expecting our first child in November.