The old adage goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but a new survey shows that works both ways. In fact, 70% of the 2,000 Americans who took part in a recent poll say a partner cooking something for them is “more intimate” than doing the deed.
The survey, which was commissioned by meal delivery company Hello Fresh, noted 79% of respondents say good food is the way to win someone’s heart.
In fact, 43% admitted to ending relationships because their partner was such a bad cook — and three-quarters of respondents say they’ll likely go out on a date with someone if they know they can kill it in the kitchen.
Also, 81% of respondents say when one agrees to cook for their partner, that’s a sign that the relationship is getting serious.
In fact, 49% of those surveyed prefer a home-cooked meal over going out.
Sixty-five percent agreed that if the meal on a date is bad, no matter where you end up eating, then the date will go poorly; 72% say a good meal can improve what they think of that date overall.
And if you’re not cooking at home, how you act when you eat out can be a deal-breaker — 56% say if a person is rude to waitstaff it won’t snag them a second date, and 52% say don’t expect a call back if you chew with your mouth open.
Oh, and if you’re one of those people who picks off of their date’s plate without asking, 47% say that’s a turn-off.
Not tipping well and drinking too much are also dating no-nos, according to the survey.
Survey questions, methodology and results have not been verified or endorsed by ABC News or The Walt Disney Company.