What Women Want Most in an Ideal Boyfriend is 'Inner Qualities' at 52.00% | Compromise is Possible on 'Appearance' at 73.00%, Experience Meeting an Ideal Boyfriend is 43.00% (Happy Mail Survey)
A survey by Happy Mail of 100 adult women revealed that 'inner qualities' (52%) and 'compatibility' (29%) are the most sought-after traits in an ideal boyfriend, while 'appearance' (73%) is the most common area for compromise. Only 43% of respondents reported having met an ideal partner, indicating a gap between expectations and reality. Inner qualities and compatibility are considered non-negotiable.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 19:37
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 11:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 14:12 (243h 12m after Collected)
IBEC Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City), which operates the dating/love matching app/service "Happy Mail" (Happy) with a cumulative membership of 35 million (※1) (https://happymail.co.jp/), conducted a survey targeting 100 adult women regarding "Conditions for an Ideal Boyfriend".
※1: As of June 2024.
This survey compiled responses on:
● The item most emphasized as a condition for an "ideal boyfriend".
● Items from the ideal conditions that they "can compromise on".
● Whether they have ever experienced meeting an "ideal boyfriend".
This release discloses the actual conditions emphasized in partner selection and the "compromise lines" based on the survey results from 100 adult women.
Detailed survey results and graphical materials are available for citation in media and article production on the following page.
▼ Survey Results Special Page
https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/questionnaire/risou-kareshi-joken/
1. Women Most Value 'Inner Qualities' in an Ideal Boyfriend (100 Adult Women)
When 100 adult women were asked, "Which condition do you most emphasize for an 'ideal boyfriend'?" the most frequent answer was "Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values)" with 52 people (52.00%).
Following that were "Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort)" with 29 people (29.00%), "Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style)" with 10 people (10.00%), and "Economic Power (Income, Job stability)" with 9 people (9.00%).
【Breakdown (Number of people / Percentage)】
● Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values): 52 people (52.00%)
● Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort): 29 people (29.00%)
● Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style): 10 people (10.00%)
● Economic Power (Income, Job stability): 9 people (9.00%)
Combining inner qualities and compatibility accounts for 81.00%, numerically confirming that the focus of partner selection is on "personality and comfortable relationship dynamics".
Furthermore, the reasons for emphasizing these qualities, surveyed in a free-response format for each option, are as follows:
1-1. Inner Qualities
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"The most important thing for a long-term relationship is inner qualities."
"It's difficult to date someone whose values don't align."
"Even if they have good looks and high income, if our values differ, it's tiring to be with them and talk."
The reason for valuing inner qualities centers on the understanding that "shared values directly relate to relationship continuity and reducing daily stress," indicating that the priority of conditions is placed on "whether the relationship can be continued long-term and with peace of mind".
1-2. Compatibility
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because I like people I can have fun talking to, who are interesting as people and with whom I feel comfortable."
"Ease of conversation and comfort are very important."
"Even if other conditions are good, I can't be with someone I'm not compatible with, so compatibility is ultimately the most important thing."
Responses regarding compatibility emphasize experiential comfort like "ease of conversation" and "feeling comfortable," confirming that "quality of time spent together," which cannot be compensated for by specs, functions as a judgment criterion.
1-3. Appearance
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"If I like their appearance, I can tolerate other things to some extent."
"If they have good looks, I can sometimes overlook things."
"Because I think I can continue to like them."
Responses emphasizing appearance often express the idea that "liking their appearance leads to maintaining affection," and although a minority for ideal conditions, it suggests it's positioned as an element for the entrance to romantic feelings or motivation maintenance.
1-4. Economic Power
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because a lack of economic power can lead to arguments and misunderstandings."
"If they lack economic power, the relationship cannot continue."
"Ideally, it's better to have economic power."
Responses valuing economic power are centered on the view that "stability in life leads to stability in the relationship," reflecting a perspective of viewing romance as "co-management of daily life," and confirming a tendency to discuss it as a factor for suppressing future anxiety.
2. "Experienced Meeting an Ideal Boyfriend" is 43.00% (100 Adult Women)
When 100 adult women were asked, "Have you ever experienced meeting an 'ideal boyfriend'?" 43 people (43.00%) answered "Yes", and 57 people (57.00%) answered "No".
【Breakdown (Number of people / Percentage)】
● Yes: 43 people (43.00%)
● No: 57 people (57.00%)
The number of people who have "not" experienced meeting an ideal partner was over half, resulting in a gap between the ideal image and actual encounters.
3. Compromise on 'Appearance' is Most Common at 73.00% (100 Adult Women)
When 100 adult women were asked, "Which of your ideal conditions are you willing to compromise on?" the most frequent answer was "Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style)" with 73 people (73.00%).
Following that were "Economic Power (Income, Job stability)" with 22 people (22.00%), "Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort)" with 4 people (4.00%), and "Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values)" with 1 person (1.00%).
【Breakdown (Number of people / Percentage)】
● Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style): 73 people (73.00%)
● Economic Power (Income, Job stability): 22 people (22.00%)
● Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort): 4 people (4.00%)
● Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values): 1 person (1.00%)
Compromise targets, Appearance + Economic Power, accounted for 95.00%, while Compatibility + Inner Qualities totaled 5.00%, resulting in comfort in relationship dynamics and sincerity being positioned as "conditions that are hard to compromise on".
Furthermore, when asked for reasons for compromise, the following free responses were obtained:
3-1. Appearance
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because other things are more important than looks."
"Appearance can change after starting to date."
"Depending on the level, if their inner self is good, they start looking handsome."
The reasons for being able to compromise on appearance are centered on the idea that "appearance is adjustable, and impressions change as the relationship deepens," indicating that the priority is placed on factors other than appearance (inner qualities, compatibility).
3-2. Economic Power
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because a lack of economic power can lead to arguments and misunderstandings."
"If they lack economic power, the relationship cannot continue."
"Ideally, it's better to have economic power."
The reasons for being able to compromise on economic power are centered on a realistic standard of "as long as life is possible" and a cooperative mindset of "I will also contribute," showing a premise of supporting each other rather than just the partner's conditions.
3-3. Compatibility
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because I can try to change myself to become more comfortable."
"I'll get used to it eventually."
"I think it will work out somehow."
Although responses about compromising on compatibility are few, the underlying recognition that "relationships can be nurtured" is confirmed, showing a tendency to prioritize the prospect of improvement through time and effort over initial discomfort.
3-4. Inner Qualities
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Even if they cheat, if they give me things, I can forgive them."
The responses for compromising on inner qualities were limited to one person. Overall, sincerity and shared values are strongly recognized as "non-negotiable conditions," confirmed by both numerical data and written descriptions.
Survey Results Summary
This survey investigated "conditions for an ideal boyfriend," "compromisable conditions," and "experience meeting an ideal boyfriend" among 100 adult women, revealing the following points:
● The condition for an ideal boyfriend was most frequently "inner qualities" at 52.00%, and combined with "compatibility" at 29.00%, totaled 81.00%, concentrating the focus of importance on internal factors.
● Free responses also mentioned "it's tiring if values don't match" and "ease of conversation/comfort is important," referring to "ease of spending daily life" in continuing a relationship.
● The experience of "having met an ideal boyfriend" was 43.00%, less than half of the respondents.
● Compromisable conditions were most frequently "appearance" at 73.00%, and combined with "economic power" at 22.00%, totaled 95.00%, with compromise targets skewed towards appearance and economic aspects.
● Free responses cited reasons like "appearance can be changed later" and "if the inside is good, they look handsome," and "it's fine as long as we can live," indicating room for improvement and cooperation.
● Compromisable conditions for "inner qualities" were only 1.00%, and in free responses, it was frequently treated as a "non-negotiable premise," confirmed through both numerical data and descriptions.
Detailed data and graphical materials from this survey are available on the following special page.
They can also be used as reference materials for media and article production.
▼ Survey Results Special Page
https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/questionnaire/risou-kareshi-joken/
【Survey Overview】
Survey Method: Internet survey
Target Survey: 100 adult women
Survey Sample Size: 100 women
Survey Date: January 29, 2026
Survey Operator: Happy Mail (Happy) (https://happymail.co.jp/)
Survey Company: IBEC Inc.
Related Page: https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/questionnaire/risou-kareshi-joken/
About Happy Mail
Happy Mail (Happy) provides encounters as a dating/love matching app/matching site.
With over 25 years of operation and achievements, the service has evolved to be available on PC, smartphones, and apps, adapting to the times.
In 2018, when a request came to create a love movie themed around encounters through male-female matching, Happy Mail became involved in film production for the first time in the matching industry.
In 2019, using Kayo Noro as an ambassador, and based on the real-life experiences of Happy Mail users, the web drama "Happy Mail ~Love Story~" was produced to promote the recognition of "love/marriage" from real encounters using apps and the internet.
In 2024, cumulative membership exceeded 35 million. (As of June 2024).
【Brand Ambassador Adoption Records】
2019 Kayo Noro
2020 Kayo Noro
2021 Kayo Noro
2022 Honoka
2023 Honoka
2024 Yuki Poyoda
Official Website: https://happymail.co.jp
Overall Page: https://happymail.jp
Supported Devices: Smartphone, PC
Supported Languages: Japanese
Service Area: Japan
Service Start Date: August 2000
Price: Free download
Development/Operation: IBEC Inc.
App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app//id521055533?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.i_bec.suteki_happy&hl=ja
We support all men and women who meet through matching apps! Happy Mail-sponsored YouTube channel "Koilabo": https://www.youtube.com/@koilabo.happymail
Happy Mail Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjKoGOmdSsroocH3cSiQt1Q
Love/Marriage Trend Information Site Happy Life: https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/
※1: As of June 2024.
This survey compiled responses on:
● The item most emphasized as a condition for an "ideal boyfriend".
● Items from the ideal conditions that they "can compromise on".
● Whether they have ever experienced meeting an "ideal boyfriend".
This release discloses the actual conditions emphasized in partner selection and the "compromise lines" based on the survey results from 100 adult women.
Detailed survey results and graphical materials are available for citation in media and article production on the following page.
▼ Survey Results Special Page
https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/questionnaire/risou-kareshi-joken/
1. Women Most Value 'Inner Qualities' in an Ideal Boyfriend (100 Adult Women)
When 100 adult women were asked, "Which condition do you most emphasize for an 'ideal boyfriend'?" the most frequent answer was "Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values)" with 52 people (52.00%).
Following that were "Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort)" with 29 people (29.00%), "Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style)" with 10 people (10.00%), and "Economic Power (Income, Job stability)" with 9 people (9.00%).
【Breakdown (Number of people / Percentage)】
● Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values): 52 people (52.00%)
● Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort): 29 people (29.00%)
● Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style): 10 people (10.00%)
● Economic Power (Income, Job stability): 9 people (9.00%)
Combining inner qualities and compatibility accounts for 81.00%, numerically confirming that the focus of partner selection is on "personality and comfortable relationship dynamics".
Furthermore, the reasons for emphasizing these qualities, surveyed in a free-response format for each option, are as follows:
1-1. Inner Qualities
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"The most important thing for a long-term relationship is inner qualities."
"It's difficult to date someone whose values don't align."
"Even if they have good looks and high income, if our values differ, it's tiring to be with them and talk."
The reason for valuing inner qualities centers on the understanding that "shared values directly relate to relationship continuity and reducing daily stress," indicating that the priority of conditions is placed on "whether the relationship can be continued long-term and with peace of mind".
1-2. Compatibility
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because I like people I can have fun talking to, who are interesting as people and with whom I feel comfortable."
"Ease of conversation and comfort are very important."
"Even if other conditions are good, I can't be with someone I'm not compatible with, so compatibility is ultimately the most important thing."
Responses regarding compatibility emphasize experiential comfort like "ease of conversation" and "feeling comfortable," confirming that "quality of time spent together," which cannot be compensated for by specs, functions as a judgment criterion.
1-3. Appearance
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"If I like their appearance, I can tolerate other things to some extent."
"If they have good looks, I can sometimes overlook things."
"Because I think I can continue to like them."
Responses emphasizing appearance often express the idea that "liking their appearance leads to maintaining affection," and although a minority for ideal conditions, it suggests it's positioned as an element for the entrance to romantic feelings or motivation maintenance.
1-4. Economic Power
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because a lack of economic power can lead to arguments and misunderstandings."
"If they lack economic power, the relationship cannot continue."
"Ideally, it's better to have economic power."
Responses valuing economic power are centered on the view that "stability in life leads to stability in the relationship," reflecting a perspective of viewing romance as "co-management of daily life," and confirming a tendency to discuss it as a factor for suppressing future anxiety.
2. "Experienced Meeting an Ideal Boyfriend" is 43.00% (100 Adult Women)
When 100 adult women were asked, "Have you ever experienced meeting an 'ideal boyfriend'?" 43 people (43.00%) answered "Yes", and 57 people (57.00%) answered "No".
【Breakdown (Number of people / Percentage)】
● Yes: 43 people (43.00%)
● No: 57 people (57.00%)
The number of people who have "not" experienced meeting an ideal partner was over half, resulting in a gap between the ideal image and actual encounters.
3. Compromise on 'Appearance' is Most Common at 73.00% (100 Adult Women)
When 100 adult women were asked, "Which of your ideal conditions are you willing to compromise on?" the most frequent answer was "Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style)" with 73 people (73.00%).
Following that were "Economic Power (Income, Job stability)" with 22 people (22.00%), "Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort)" with 4 people (4.00%), and "Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values)" with 1 person (1.00%).
【Breakdown (Number of people / Percentage)】
● Appearance (Cleanliness, Face, Style): 73 people (73.00%)
● Economic Power (Income, Job stability): 22 people (22.00%)
● Compatibility (Ease of conversation, Comfort): 4 people (4.00%)
● Inner Qualities (Kindness, Sincerity, Shared Values): 1 person (1.00%)
Compromise targets, Appearance + Economic Power, accounted for 95.00%, while Compatibility + Inner Qualities totaled 5.00%, resulting in comfort in relationship dynamics and sincerity being positioned as "conditions that are hard to compromise on".
Furthermore, when asked for reasons for compromise, the following free responses were obtained:
3-1. Appearance
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because other things are more important than looks."
"Appearance can change after starting to date."
"Depending on the level, if their inner self is good, they start looking handsome."
The reasons for being able to compromise on appearance are centered on the idea that "appearance is adjustable, and impressions change as the relationship deepens," indicating that the priority is placed on factors other than appearance (inner qualities, compatibility).
3-2. Economic Power
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because a lack of economic power can lead to arguments and misunderstandings."
"If they lack economic power, the relationship cannot continue."
"Ideally, it's better to have economic power."
The reasons for being able to compromise on economic power are centered on a realistic standard of "as long as life is possible" and a cooperative mindset of "I will also contribute," showing a premise of supporting each other rather than just the partner's conditions.
3-3. Compatibility
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Because I can try to change myself to become more comfortable."
"I'll get used to it eventually."
"I think it will work out somehow."
Although responses about compromising on compatibility are few, the underlying recognition that "relationships can be nurtured" is confirmed, showing a tendency to prioritize the prospect of improvement through time and effort over initial discomfort.
3-4. Inner Qualities
【Excerpts from Free Responses】
"Even if they cheat, if they give me things, I can forgive them."
The responses for compromising on inner qualities were limited to one person. Overall, sincerity and shared values are strongly recognized as "non-negotiable conditions," confirmed by both numerical data and written descriptions.
Survey Results Summary
This survey investigated "conditions for an ideal boyfriend," "compromisable conditions," and "experience meeting an ideal boyfriend" among 100 adult women, revealing the following points:
● The condition for an ideal boyfriend was most frequently "inner qualities" at 52.00%, and combined with "compatibility" at 29.00%, totaled 81.00%, concentrating the focus of importance on internal factors.
● Free responses also mentioned "it's tiring if values don't match" and "ease of conversation/comfort is important," referring to "ease of spending daily life" in continuing a relationship.
● The experience of "having met an ideal boyfriend" was 43.00%, less than half of the respondents.
● Compromisable conditions were most frequently "appearance" at 73.00%, and combined with "economic power" at 22.00%, totaled 95.00%, with compromise targets skewed towards appearance and economic aspects.
● Free responses cited reasons like "appearance can be changed later" and "if the inside is good, they look handsome," and "it's fine as long as we can live," indicating room for improvement and cooperation.
● Compromisable conditions for "inner qualities" were only 1.00%, and in free responses, it was frequently treated as a "non-negotiable premise," confirmed through both numerical data and descriptions.
Detailed data and graphical materials from this survey are available on the following special page.
They can also be used as reference materials for media and article production.
▼ Survey Results Special Page
https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/questionnaire/risou-kareshi-joken/
【Survey Overview】
Survey Method: Internet survey
Target Survey: 100 adult women
Survey Sample Size: 100 women
Survey Date: January 29, 2026
Survey Operator: Happy Mail (Happy) (https://happymail.co.jp/)
Survey Company: IBEC Inc.
Related Page: https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/questionnaire/risou-kareshi-joken/
About Happy Mail
Happy Mail (Happy) provides encounters as a dating/love matching app/matching site.
With over 25 years of operation and achievements, the service has evolved to be available on PC, smartphones, and apps, adapting to the times.
In 2018, when a request came to create a love movie themed around encounters through male-female matching, Happy Mail became involved in film production for the first time in the matching industry.
In 2019, using Kayo Noro as an ambassador, and based on the real-life experiences of Happy Mail users, the web drama "Happy Mail ~Love Story~" was produced to promote the recognition of "love/marriage" from real encounters using apps and the internet.
In 2024, cumulative membership exceeded 35 million. (As of June 2024).
【Brand Ambassador Adoption Records】
2019 Kayo Noro
2020 Kayo Noro
2021 Kayo Noro
2022 Honoka
2023 Honoka
2024 Yuki Poyoda
Official Website: https://happymail.co.jp
Overall Page: https://happymail.jp
Supported Devices: Smartphone, PC
Supported Languages: Japanese
Service Area: Japan
Service Start Date: August 2000
Price: Free download
Development/Operation: IBEC Inc.
App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app//id521055533?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.i_bec.suteki_happy&hl=ja
We support all men and women who meet through matching apps! Happy Mail-sponsored YouTube channel "Koilabo": https://www.youtube.com/@koilabo.happymail
Happy Mail Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjKoGOmdSsroocH3cSiQt1Q
Love/Marriage Trend Information Site Happy Life: https://happymail.co.jp/happylife/