Covid has lead more couples to declare love sooner, research shows

More than three in 10 couples have declared their love for each other within a couple of months of meeting, research has revealed.

The study of 1,500 adults found that 53 per cent of those in a new relationship claim the pandemic has caused it to develop quicker than usual.

After just two months, 21 per cent of couples had already moved in together, while a quarter had been introduced to each other's parents.

And after just four months 40 per cent had already planned a staycation.

But a staggering 78 per cent of those who have made the leap to move in with their other half admitted they wouldn’t have moved so quickly if it wasn’t for Covid.

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And 62 per cent who have said ‘I love you’ believe this wouldn’t have been so early in their relationship pre-pandemic.

Jamie Schwartz, Director of Brand, Marketing and Merchandising at streaming service NOW, which commissioned the survey, said: “Our research reveals the strain of lockdown on relationships, and people are desperate to get-away.”

The study found almost half (43 per cent) have reached milestones sooner than in previous relationships they had before the pandemic.

While two-thirds said lockdown has had an impact on their relationship, 72 per cent said it helped make them stronger.

And almost two-thirds plan on ‘spicing things up’ with a mini-break away to try and fix the strain lockdown has put on their relationship.

Three in five (66 per cent) agree that going on a mini-break together is a “sign of true love”.

‘Lockdown love’ gestures include virtual dates (37 per cent), booking mini-breaks (32 per cent), doorstop drops off (36 per cent), and writing a series of love letters (30 per cent).

It doesn’t end well for everyone though, as of those polled, 52 per cent have ended a relationship within the last 18 months.

Almost a third said lockdown put a strain on things and 29 per cent grew apart due to spending less time together.

A quarter admitted that spending too much time at home exposed cracks in the relationship.

The study also found 33 per cent of singletons are looking forward to having a ‘bit of fun’ once things are back to normal.

And four in 10 will be stepping on the pedal in the hunt for their one true love.

Jamie Schwartz added: “Bridget Jones’ iconic ‘mini-break’ is something we’d all appreciate right now. The NOW Bridget Mini Break celebrates the movie’s 20th anniversary and offers our members the chance for a fun, themed night away.”

The research by streaming service NOW was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bridget Jones’s Diary, giving fans the opportunity to go on a Bridget Jones themed break to stay the same romantic suite at Stoke Park Hotel where the film was shot, and Bridget and Daniel Cleaver enjoyed their ‘full-blown mini break’. Find out more here.

SWNS