SINGLETONS give the term "plus one" a whole new meaning as a recent study has revealed the real part that friends play in dating.
Over half of Brits have instructed their mates to show up in secret at the location of their first date, according to a poll of 2,000 actively dating single adults.
One in five Brits openly admitted to taking a friend on a date with them, while 48 per cent wished they could bring one along.
Almost 60 per cent even said they enjoy the preamble and dating debriefs with pals more than the event itself.
And a chum’s involvement starts from the beginning, with 72 per cent of singles canvassing opinions from friends and family before even saying yes to a romantic endeavour.
Friends are most commonly consulted about courting, but colleagues and siblings are the next most popular confidants.
And these supportive friends and family members are making singletons feel more confident as they navigate the dating world.
Preparations and pre-date conversations with friends begin an average of two days before the main event.
And the most popular rituals include sharing information about their romantic interest, looking them up on social media, and sourcing date location recommendations.
When it comes to live updates, 45 per cent of singletons send messages during the date, while 38 per cent take it as far as phoning a friend.
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On average, singles will spend two hours talking to pals about an upcoming date, with 59 per cent feeling more confident when doing so.
One in three said it helps calm their nerves.
Following the findings, Plenty of Fish, which commissioned the study, has teamed up with author and poet, Charly Cox, to create ‘Thank You Notes’.
The digital collection of poetry based on the real-life dating stories of British singles, offers a nod of thanks to those who played an unexpected role in their search for love.
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Dating expert Kate MacLean said: “Sometimes we get so caught up in the desired outcome of a date, we forget about those who help us get there.
“Dating is a journey and it’s the people around us, our support circles, who can help to take the pressure off.
“Creating ‘Thank You Notes’ is a celebration of dating and the unexpected charm that can be found in the journey.”
The study also found these ‘date mates’ extend beyond family and friends, with 31 per cent seeking love advice from strangers they meet out and about or on the commute.
Restaurant staff, taxi drivers, bartenders, baristas and train attendants have also been cited as boosting the confidence of starry-eyed singletons before a date.
Some people's exes even play a part, with 16 per cent confiding in a past partner before the date.
More than two thirds of those surveyed via OnePoll have been encouraged by their mates to go on a date with someone who isn’t their usual type.
But 85 per cent confessed they have learnt more from dates that flopped, than those that were successful.
Charly Cox added: “I’ve loved translating the journeys and experiences of people’s dating lives into poetry – and giving a well-deserved nod to those unsung heroes who play such a huge role in the early stages.
“It’s been wonderful to celebrate the everyday interactions that can have a positive impact on our lives.
“This collection of poetry is a wonderful reminder to enjoy the process, find joy in the nuanced, and hold tight the people you meet along the way, whether that’s on your search for love or elsewhere.”
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