From soulmate to squeeze: terms of affection RANKED

Who are you hoping to unearth whilst countryside dating on Muddy Matches? This dating blog explores the little pet names given to the actual person mud lovers are seeking.

You know the kind of thing; your soulmate, or squeeze through to those that are slightly more left of centre.

This week, we noticed one single mud lover say he was hunting a ‘team player’ to compliment his lifestyle in muddy boots. It got us intrigued as to what’s the most popular. So we did some digging.

Here we rank the top 12 terms of affections of what the heart really desires, as spotted in the dating profiles of real rural singles on Muddy Matches.

1.  Soulmate
Top of the shop; soulmate. No surprises really this one, especially given our focus, and the emphasis mud lovers place, on matching shared interests and common ground.

2. Partner-in-crime
Usually accompanying a fun, playful profile based around adventure and field sports, it is particularly used by female singles looking for a second shot at love after divorce or separation.

3. Kindred spirit
Kindred spirit is a personal favourite amongst the Muddy Matches team. It has a back-to-basics, off grid aura of fresh air, nature, spontaneity, and ‘dancing in the rain’ about it – and that’s everything we stand for.   

4. Life Companion
It feels a lot more serious and structured than other emotionally charged terms of affection listed, but lasting, meaningful life companionship is definitely something mud lovers pursue.

5. ‘The One’
There was a time when seeking ‘the one’ brought extra pressure. Now, for many people, it’s a genuine expectation with exacting standards not to be compromised. Playing the field is so yesterday!

6. Significant other
Significant ‘other’, not significant udder! It sounds incredibly formal, but unearthing someone who complements what you stand for, and offers support, deserves a place.

7. Best friend.
Gone are the days of best friend implying a friends zone. In muddy circles, it suggests someone who stacks up emotionally, socially and logistically. Shared rural goals help but don’t underestimate the unwielding bond of ‘just getting along’.

8.Like-minded soul
The best of both worlds. Those looking for a like minded soul combines all the feel good of kindred spirit with the merits of discovering a soulmate. Freedom, clear-headed, and shared values.

9. Better Half.
Whilst the female of the species sways towards partner in crime, Better Half is the country gentlemen’s go-to term when returning to the dating scene. It has wife/girlfriend tones but it packed with mutual respect.

10. Squeeze
We’d love to be called a squeeze. It’s fun, playful, dare we even say squidgy like mud? It gives off comforting, season-round cuddle vibes – and who can’t resist a warming embrace?

11. Heart’s Desire
We thought this may be higher up the list, but the heart’s desire is firmly in the traditional stables, and its roots in old fashioned courtship. We like the sentiment of this.  See also truelove

12. Adventurer
Sitting in the same camp as ‘team player’, adventurer got a fair few mentions, not least from outward bound singles who live the outdoor life to the max. Adventurer is less romantic, but more life oriented and is all about putting yourself out there.