The Dating Recession, Part 2: Why Meaningful Relationships Feel So Hard to Find and What Helps – Episode 40
Summary:
In Part 2 of this important conversation on the modern dating recession, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn continue unpacking new research from the Institute for Family Studies on why so many marriage-minded singles are struggling to date—and what can actually help. With 70% of surveyed singles saying they want meaningful relationships but aren’t dating, the challenge is real—but not hopeless.
Shaunti and Jeff revisit the key barriers discussed in Part 1 and dive into additional reasons dating feels harder today, from fear and discouragement to unclear expectations and social disconnection. Most importantly, they offer practical, research-based encouragement for singles who desire marriage, as well as parents and loved ones who want to support them.
If you or someone you care about feels stuck in today’s dating landscape, this episode offers fresh insight, empathy, and a hopeful path forward toward genuine connection.
Resources:
Report on “The Dating Recession”. https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/state-of-our-unions-2026-the-dating-recession
IFS article about young men. See point 2 for “Most unmarried young men want to marry”
https://ifstudies.org/blog/young-men-are-not-checked-out-their-hopes-are-being-frustrated
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Both with graduate degrees from Harvard, Shaunti and Jeff are the authors and co-authors of many groundbreaking books, such as For Women Only, For Men Only, The Kindness Challenge, and When Hurting People Come to Church.
For more from Jeff and Shaunti, visit www.shaunti.com.
