Massachusetts is 2024’s Most Romantic State in America

I'd like to take credit for helping Massachusetts earn that moniker in the headline... but I'm as romantic as a migraine. (Sorry honey.) Despite my challenged romantic state, Massachusetts was just named THE Most Romantic State in America in a new study.

The research, collected and crunched by JeffBet, shows that our romance is as endless as our Dunks locations. The online gambling site used Google Keyword Planner to search for romantic keywords like “date ideas” and “Valentine’s Day” to determine each state's volume of romantic searching. JeffBet used this data to create a list of the top 20 most romantic states. A list topped by the Bay State.

Massachusetts was deemed "most romantic" in the US, followed by New York, New Jersey, Virginia (it's for lovers but we're more romantic!), and North Carolina.

So next time someone starts throwing around Massachusetts cliches about how we're all crass, loud, and obnoxious just site this study and let them know that we're actually just misunderstood. In fact, below you'll find some Massachusetts translations to help:

When we say "Bang A Uey" we actually mean "I love you." A "bubblah" is another word for our heart beating quickly for you because we love you. And whenever we're "pahking the cah by the yahd" we're only doing it to show you our deep love for you. And if you believe any of this you're obviously not from Mass.

Here's the thing about us Massholes: we can be crass, loud, and obnoxious. We can be misunderstood. And we can be romantic. It's just harder for us on days when the Dunks line goes out into the street.

By the way, how long do you think it takes for someone from Massachusetts to say "I love you" for the first time in a relationship? The answer is right here.

Leave it to social media to remind you about your singleness. With "We’re engaged!" and "Celebrating X years together," posts, it seems like everyone you know is coupled up. But not everyone wants commitment or a relationship with someone. Some people prefer being single. And no, that doesn't mean that someone who prefers to be single is bad at relationships. There’s actually research that shows people are waiting longer to settle down or commit to someone.

Many people choose the single life for various reasons. Maybe you’re happy living it up as a single person or trying to find your internal happiness until you meet the right person. Either way, there are perks to being single.

Most couples figure out issues together or may even rely on their partner to take care of things. Meanwhile, single people are challenged to be more responsible for themselves. This not only builds your character, but it puts you in charge of your own well-being.

Being single can also put you in a great position career-wise. For instance, you’re free to pursue your career choices without having to consider another person. You don’t have to take into account what your partner thinks you should or shouldn’t do. Some research even suggests that single people value meaningful work even more than married people do.

It’s often said that once you’re in a relationship, you gain weight. Men's Health magazine reported that, on average, couples gain about 17 pounds within one year of finding love. ABC reported that newly married women in their early 20s gained 24 pounds in the first five years of marriage. They also said that newly married men gained 30 pounds in the same age group. Is this what happens when you trade in your morning Saturday walks for "staying in bed just a little longer" with your babe?

Check out some of the top reasons people love being single below.

You can dance to your own music when it comes to scheduling. Single people can create a routine that works for them. This includes consistent meal times, bedtimes, and events. You never have to consider your partner's schedule. You can even pick up more hobbies, like weekly trivia or a class you've been wanting to try. For better or worse, your time is your own.

If you're single, chances are that you don't have to worry about spending money on anyone else but yourself. You can keep your money for yourself and use it for a solo vacation or a rainy day fund. Not to mention, you no longer have the financial obligation of buying someone a nice gift for birthdays, and couple-y holidays like Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, or Date-a-versaries.

Single people get more freedom. Without the obligation of another person in your life, you'll have more time for activities. One of the many perks of being single is just having space and time to focus on yourself and emotional needs. You even get a chance to know yourself better during the added free time. Use your time the way you want.

Married folks can go ahead and sit this one out for sure. The benefit of running to the dance floor to vibe out to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" hit, is for those who are single. If you've been to a wedding chances are that this song was used to get all the unmarried or single ladies to the dance floor. Let's be honest, it was your moment to shine in all your singleness.

Single people don't have to deal with the phrase, "Let me try some" while eyes are glaring at their plate. That's right, you don't have to share a thing. Another food benefit of being single is taking advantage of not conforming to someone else's habits or preferences. You can try a new diet or completely indulge without the extra commentary or worrying about someone else's needs. You don't have to worry about if the food you like is off-putting to your partner.

Watch what you want, when you want without the worry. Many couples like to watch a new TV series or movie together. But Heaven forbid you tune in without your partner. That's one way to start an argument. So, if you're single go ahead and binge that new Marvel series without looking over your shoulder. Also, you don't have to sit through shows or movies that you don't care for, because your partner wants to. Watch what you want!