English edit

Etymology edit

Blend of relationship +‎ shopping

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ɹɪˈleɪʃənˌʃɒpɪŋ/
  • (file)

Noun edit

relationshopping (uncountable)

  1. The practice of seeking romantic or sexual partners based on a shortlist of attributes, like a consumer shopping for a product.
    • 2010, Sean Kenniff, Stop Effing Yourself, page 117:
      Some experts believe that an overpowering fear of commitment may be the driving force behind relationshopping, but that is not likely the case. The fear of commitment is largely determined by past experiences []
    • 2018, Mark Blythe, Andrew Monk, Funology 2: From Usability to Enjoyment, page 65:
      Relationshopping” is detrimental to users' romantic relationship goals for two reasons. One, there is evidence that ideal romantic partner preferences do not predict romantic attraction in-person (Eastwick and Finkel 2008).