Secrets of the six month dating rule revealed
match maps the dating journey of the average long-term relationship
January 2016, LONDON – Ever wondered why the six month mark is often seen as make or break time in a relationship? New Match findings reveal it’s because this is when three key relationship milestones take place: the revealing of one’s imperfections (173 days), the first argument (170 days) and when most parental introductions take place (24 per cent).
Match, the UK’s most successful dating service, researched over 2,000 men and women to map out the average dating journey, from first meeting to having children. As well as uncovering the secret of the six month rule, the findings showed that it takes us longer to hold hands than kiss with 31 per cent stating they would kiss their date immediately, compared to just 27 per cent who would say the same for holdings hands. A further third (34 per cent) revealed they would wait between one and two weeks to holds hands.
Taking things to the next step, over a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits wait between one and two weeks to sleep with their partner whilst 23 per cent wait one month. However, three fifths (60 per cent) would introduce their partner to their best friend within a month. Over a third (36 per cent) said that it would take one month or less for them to get dressed or undressed with the lights on.
Saying ‘I love you’ happens on average at five months of dating (144 days), with British daters also seeing this as the perfect time to embark on a more modern dating milestone: updating their social media relationship status (157 days). Once the crucial six month milestone has passed, daters feel it’s safe to splash out on the relationship by spending the night away (seven months/204 days) or going on holiday together (10 months/298 days).
Over a quarter (28 per cent) said they would wait at least six months before leaving their toothbrush round their partner’s house, whilst 40 per cent said the same for being given a drawer at their partners house.
A third of Brits (33 per cent) will have their first conversation about their long-term future within a year, whilst the big commitment milestones of engagement bling, wedded bliss and babies all happen after the first year. The average couple gets engaged after two years (743 days), marries after just over three (1190 days) and has a family after almost four years of dating (1422 days).
Finally, in terms of when people can expect to find love, the research found that 27 is the average age British daters meet their partners, with women more likely to meet them earlier in life at age 25 than men at 28. Half (50%) of daters meet their partner in their 20s.
Kate Taylor, dating expert for match, said: “While each relationship moves at its own pace, daters are often reassured by comparing their experiences with others’. We all ask our friends, ‘When did you know your partner was The One?’ or, ‘How long did you wait before you kissed?’, so it’s great that Match have researched the nation’s dating journey. If your relationship isn’t falling within these timeframes, use them to adjust your expectations. However, one statistic I disagree with, is how long UK daters are waiting to get undressed with the lights on. We always advise daters to ‘love your imperfections’. Strut your stuff proudly! The right partner for you will love you for the naked truth, inside AND out.”
To view Match’s new #LoveYourImperfections commercial, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K6wSURCfJU
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Media Contacts
Brands2Life – 020 7592 1200 and matchconsumer@brands2life.com
About #LoveYourImperfections:
#LoveYourImperfections is Match’s campaign to give singles the confidence to express their true selves. Having first launched in January 2015, the campaign aims to highlight the imperfections and quirks which Brits normally hide, but which potential partners could find endearing or attractive.
About Match:
As the most successful dating service in the UK, 1 in 2 online daters* have used Match and 1 in 5 singles who met their partner online, met on Match*. As the number 1 dating for young online daters**, Match continues to empower singles to meet exciting and interesting people that you would not otherwise have met.
Match offers members more ways to meet, including singles events located in 32 cities, one of the reasons it’s been voted as the under 35’s number 1 choice for great singles night out**. It’s also available on all mobile platforms making it the perfect dating companion for busy singles on-the-go.
As a founding member of the Online Dating Association (ODA), Match is committed to providing a safe and confidential community for its members.
*Survey conducted by Opinium from December 22nd to 29th 2015 among a representative sample of 2001 persons aged 18+ in the UK.