💔 39% of People Have Experienced “The One That Got Away”

💔 Almost 4 in 10 people say they’ve had “the one that got away” — and the stats might surprise you! From Katy Perry’s inspiration to which generation feels it most, here’s what the latest poll reveals about love, loss, and what could’ve been. 💭✨

10/7/20251 min read

woman on bike reaching for man's hand behind her also on bike
woman on bike reaching for man's hand behind her also on bike

We’ve all had that one person who pops into your mind from time to time — the one who maybe could’ve been if life had gone a little differently. Well, turns out you’re not alone! A new poll found that 39% of people say they’ve experienced “the one that got away.”

💭 According to the survey:

  • 11% said there’s currently someone they feel that way about.

  • 28% said they’ve previously felt that way.

  • 46% said they’ve never felt that way at all (teach us your ways).

  • And 16% just weren’t sure — which, honestly, sounds like they definitely have one.

Men were actually more likely than women to say they’ve got a “one that got away,” and it’s most common among Millennials and Gen X’ers. Gen Z might just not have had enough time for heartbreak to fully hit yet. 😅

Fun fact: Katy Perry’s hit song “The One That Got Away” was actually inspired by Josh Groban! (No word on whether Josh’s song “I Really Dodged a Bullet” exists… but if it does, we need that collab ASAP 😂).

So… do you have “the one that got away”? Or are you one of the lucky ones who’s totally moved on? 👀