The Dating Recession (Trending with Timmerie)

A new study suggests young adults haven’t given up on marriage. That's the good news. The bad news? Many young adults aren’t dating. On Trending with Timmerie, Timmerie examined the State of Our Union 2026: A Dating Recession, which surveyed more than 5,000 unmarried Americans ages 22-35. Nearly nine out of 10 expect to marry someday, yet only about one-third are actively dating. So, what’s stopping them? Money tops the list, with a majority of those individuals not dating citing finances as an obstacle. Timmerie points to both economic pressures and unrealistic expectations about what dating should look like. A meaningful date doesn’t have to resemble an expensive, perfectly staged social media post. But money isn’t the only problem. About half of those surveyed cited a lack of confidence, and roughly half pointed to bad previous dating experiences. Those struggles, Timmerie argues, can involve genuine wounds and fears. That’s why a Catholic understanding of relationships can offer something important: a clear purpose. Dating isn’t just about romance or finding someone who fits an ideal. The Catholic view of dating involves discerning a potential spouse and building a relationship rooted in friendship, chastity, and ultimately, God. Timmerie contrasts seeing marriage as a “capstone” – something pursued only after education, career, travel, and financial success – with seeing it as a “cornerstone” of adult life. For Catholics, marriage is a vocation, and the Sacrament of Matrimony is ordered toward the unity of the spouses, openness to life, and the formation of children in the Faith. The encouraging news is that young adults still desire marriage. The challenge is helping them move beyond fear, wounds, and unrealistic expectations so they can pursue relationships centered on God and authentic love. The best way to catch Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.