Relationship support charity Relate has carried out an in-depth study into log-term relationships to mark its 80th anniversary. The research reveals the pressure that many people feel under to have a ‘perfect relationship’. 40% of people in relationships who live in the South East of England measure-up
Nearly a third of people (31%) in the South East admit to posting things on social media to give the impression of a perfect relationship and 40% say they sometimes make out to others that their relationship is happier than it really is. Tellingly, 91% of people in the South East felt people would benefit from being more open with each other about their relationship issues.
The research also found that of people in relationships living in the South East:
- 66% expect to stay with their current partner for the rest of their lives
- 30% hope to stay together but have some doubts
- 4% expect to break up
“Two-fifths of people in the South East compare their relationship to their friends”
‘Talking openly and honestly with each other’ followed by ‘making time for each other’ and ‘having fun together’ are the best secrets to a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship, according to the general public both in the South East and across the whole of the UK.
To mark 80 years of providing relationship support, Relate’s senior counsellors have put together 80 tips for long-lasting and successful relationships of all kinds, including friendships, family relationships, workplace relationships and couple relationships.
Pamela Forsyth, CEO of Relate London North East and North Essex, said:
“Ad these figures show, people often make out that their relationships are happier than they really are, and have a tendency to compare themselves to others. The reality is that no relationship is perfect and we’d probably all benefit from being more open with each other about the challenges we all face in relationships”.
“Long-lasting and fulfilling relationships don’t just happen – they require hard work, humour, and may benefit from support such as counselling during tough times.”.
Find out more
- Read Relate’s 80 tips for long-lasting and fulfilling relationships put together to mark 80 years since the charity was founded in 1938.
- Watch Relate’s new video about the secrets to a successful, long-lasting relationship.
- Donate to Relate.
