Those singles thinking of making fitness their top goal for 2018 might want to think again: a new joint global survey by premium dating site EliteSingles, and Babbel, the world’s top-grossing language learning app, reveals that fitness and looks aren’t as important as language and personality. If you’re already stressed about not making it to the gym often enough, the good news is that nearly all (91 percent) the respondents said they would prefer to date a partner with foreign language and conversational skills over one with a six-pack.

The survey of 6,000 Babbel and EliteSingles users in 11 countries showed that 75 percent of people say learning a new language might make you more attractive in general. Interestingly enough, in  Canada, this is even more pronounced: a whopping 82 percent of the Canadian Anglophones surveyed say they find the ability to speak another language attractive.

The benefits of being multilingual are so clear that four in five (80 percent) would use their language skills to impress a date and two thirds (65 percent) would learn a language to improve their love lives. Women are ahead of the curve when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, with over half (52 percent) having pledged to learn a new language in 2018, compared to just one in five (21 percent) men.

So, what exactly is it about being able to speak another language that makes a potential partner so attractive? Well, the survey revealed some interesting results.

• Thirty-five percent of respondents said they find other cultures interesting, which is why a date that speaks another language is so appealing to them. It makes sense — being able to speak another language indicates that this person probably has a world-view that extends beyond their own little bubble. There’s a good chance that they’ve traveled and have experienced cultural traditions that are different from your own — all of which is very appealing if you’re looking for a partner that’s worldly and well-rounded.

• Twenty percent of people reported that they simply like the sound of another language. Makes sense. Maybe it’s the novelty factor, but accents and languages other than our own just sound sexier — a reality that inspired many Taster Choice commercials in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s part of the reason why we swoon over guys like Javier Bardem, Benicio Del Toro and Colin Firth (to name a few).

• A further 20 percent believe that language skills demonstrate intelligence in a partner. Whether it’s speaking a foreign language or being able to communicate without typing LYKE DIS LOL, the ability to communicate well is a sign of both emotional and intellectual intelligence — both of which are incredibly attractive.

I also have another one to add to the list:

• Whether it’s preserving a mother tongue (if it’s not English) or learning a new language, taking this on requires a certain level of commitment. The person needs to make a conscious effort to use their other language skills — and in the case of learning something new, take classes, practice and improve. Being able to commit to this ongoing process shows strength of character.

So what language should we be learning? When asked to rank the most attractive languages, Canadians said French (54 percent) was the clear winner, followed by Spanish (38 percent), and Italian (24 percent). Accents were popular too: the most attractive accent to Canadian ears is French (39 percent), followed by Spanish (33 percent), Irish (29 percent), Italian (28 percent) and Australian (27 percent).

“Being able to communicate is fundamental to human interaction,” explains Joseph Troutt, Babbel Country Manager for Canada. “That’s why we created our courses to get people speaking from the very start. It’s no surprise that in 2018, in the global society that we all live in, being able to speak other languages is such an important quality in a partner. Babbel is here to help people improve themselves – and if that means their love lives too, then that’s great.”

Sophie Watson, spokesperson for EliteSingles, agreed, saying that “connection and great communication are vital parts of a first date – especially if you want to land a second one.’’ She adds ‘’this survey goes to prove what we and our members have long known – the body’s most attractive muscle is the mind!”

So, how can singles capitalize on this new data? Well, there’s a few things:

• If you speak another language or are learning a new one, mention it in your online dating profile.
• If you have an accent, think of mentioning that too. (When getting to know people in other countries, I always mention that I have a “dorky Canadian accent” before we speak on the phone. I disclose this so they won’t be surprised, however most people find it very charming.)
• Sign up for language classes! If you’ve been wanting to brush up on your high school Spanish, what are you waiting for? Not only will you improve your language skills, you may just meet other like-minded singles in the process.
• No time for classes? Add a language learning app like Duo Lingo to your phone and learn a few new things while you’re standing in line at Starbucks.

At the end of the day it’s all about “the more you know.” Learning about a new language or culture not only expands your worldview, it makes you a more well-rounded, attractive person.