Jason’s Compatibility Theory

January 5, 2006 by Jason

In the face of so many people lamenting the fact that it is hard to meet someone special, I’ve recently tried to attack the subject of matchmaking from a scientific point of view.

The problem is finding an accurate way to measure compatibility. We could start with the law’s burden of evidence which is a “preponderance of the evidence.” Basically a hair over 50% or half. Surely this is a much too lenient measurement as I highly doubt that every other person you meet would make a suitable mate.

So let’s seek a higher power: Seinfeld. In an episode of Seinfeld Jerry suggests that only 5% of the population is suitable for dating. Well now we’re getting somewhere. That might be suitable for some, but I’m addressing those who feel that they want to be with someone REALLY special. I’m tempted to let it rest at one out of a thousand people are compatible, or .1%, but I can’t stop there. I’m talking to the people that believe that they’re supposed to be with someone who perfectly completes them. People who are looking for these types of things tend to use the phrase “he/she is one in a million.”
We finally have an accurate measure of compatibility. So let’s use our newfound romantic Rosetta stone and figure out the odds of meeting such a person. In the United States there are approximately 360 million people. Eliminate half of them for being the wrong gender which leaves us with 180 million people. Now, using our yardstick of “one in a million” we actually find out that there are 180 “dream” mates walking around at any given time just in this country. I’ve included a map with a representation of where those people might be right now. As you can see, they really are everywhere. How close is your dot to one on the map? Would you be ready if you met one today?

I hope this helps those of you that believe love might pass you by. You see love, and potential love, are all around. May you take heart in this, oh weary traveller, as you continue on your journey to connect the dots.

Check out Jason’s Blog, Tales of the Inexpressible