This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Mr. Fertility vs. Mr. Right: Women 'Settling' For Partners Based On Baby-Making Potential, Study Claims

Mr. Right Now: Why Women Will Settle For A Partner Who's Not 'The One'
Shutterstock

Forget Mr. Right -- women these days are simply looking for Mr. Fertile. That's according to a team of British researchers, who claim an increasing number of women are giving up the hunt for the man of their dreams and instead settling for a less-than-perfect partner who can give them what they've always dreamt of: a baby.

Studies of more than 2,000 women from the London Fertility Clinic report one in 10 women claims she settled for her spouse simply to satisfy her strong maternal urge. What's even more alarming is while 15 per cent of those women say they're happy with their decision, 60 per cent wish they hadn't settled and had instead held out until they found "the one."

But does waiting for "the one" mean women have to give up their chance of becoming a mother? Not quite: a third of women say they'd be willing to go it alone if they had to. That's likely because they want to avoid becoming part of the 35 per cent of women who fear they've missed the boat when it comes to having kids.

But settling for someone who doesn't necessarily check all the boxes may not be a bad thing. Ask Lori Gottlieb, the author of Marry Him! The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough. "It's about searching for somebody who makes you happy and with whom you have chemistry. There's not just "one" person in the world who can do that for you.

"We're all Mr. and Ms. Good Enough -- and once you fall in love with somebody, they become Mr. or Ms. Right," she told That's Fit in 2010. However, "Settling for someone you don't love or aren't attracted to is not good!" she added.

Regardless of whether they settle or not, many women will continue the hunt for their future baby-daddy -- the study reports 27 per cent of women admit to continuously being on the hunt for a potential father for their children and one in 20 will go as far as putting him though intense quizzing to find out if he's suitable.

On the flipside, at least 27 per cent of women admit to being too into their career to worry about starting a family.

WATCH:

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.