In the modern age of relationships, characterized by fast-paced lifestyles and an abundance of distractions, maintaining the spark in a partnership has become more crucial than ever. The initial excitement and passion that accompany the early stages of a relationship can often fade as routine and external pressures take center stage. However, keeping the spark alive is essential for fostering a deep and lasting connection. It involves a conscious effort to prioritize intimacy, communication, and shared experiences. In a world where technology and external commitments can create emotional distance, regularly nurturing the emotional and physical aspects of a relationship becomes a powerful means of reaffirming the bond between partners. Whether through surprise gestures, quality time, or open communication, actively preserving the spark contributes to the overall health and resilience of a relationship, allowing it to withstand the challenges of the modern world and flourish with enduring love and understanding.
THE COST OF TRUE LOVE? £3,500 A YEAR, ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH (£1,750 EACH IF YOU’RE GOING DUTCH)
Researchers surveyed British couples to reveal the true cost of keeping the spark alive, in the modern age. And when factoring in spontaneous gifts (£89 a year), romantic weekends away (£713) and meals out (£439), the survey suggests the cost of loving all adds up. 2,000 respondents, in committed relationships, were asked to reveal the things they do to keep the spark alive in their relationship, with two cinema trips a year (average spend £40), going for spontaneous drinks together 11 times (£418) and enjoying at least one gig or live music event together (£92), emerging as important.
The biggest spend however, according to the couples surveyed, was going on at least one romantic holiday abroad together, at an average spend of £1,083. Couples will ideally have two weekends away together, in addition to their main holiday, which amount to £713 over a year.
One in two (49 percent) admit they make a huge effort to keep the spark alive as a couple, while 31 percent insist it’s important to budget for regular date nights, gifts and naughty weekends away.
The research, commissioned by Princess Cruises, found that despite trips away and plenty of date nights, 38 percent of British couples still don’t feel they have enough time together. Almost half (46 percent) of those surveyed say the cost of living has impacted their relationship, and they’ve been forced to cut back on date nights and trips away in recent years.
Eithne Williamson, Vice President of Princess Cruises UK & Europe, which commissioned the study, commented, “As our research has shown, it is evident that couples throughout the UK prioritise spending quality time together to sustain the spark in their relationships.
“However, the escalating cost of living is curtailing the ability to prioritise their cost of loving. A cruise is an affordable way for couples to enjoy multiple dates during a single holiday.
“On board a Princess ship, the Love Boat takes care of everything so couples can maximise their time together.”
However the Brits surveyed also cited having a laugh together (68 percent), listening to each other (64 percent), cuddling up at the end of the day (56 percent) and having each other’s backs (56 percent) as essential for a successful partnership.
Other secrets to a healthy romantic relationship include making time to get intimate between the sheets (53 percent), saying “I love you” at least once a day (53 percent) and simple, wholesome activities like enjoying walks together (52 percent) are important too.
Unsurprisingly, couples with children find it more difficult to factor in time spent together, as 28 percent need to budget for the cost of a babysitter when planning a date night.
THE TRUE COST OF LOVING PER YEAR, ACCORDING TO COUPLES
2 x spontaneous gifts – £44.80 x 2 = £89.60
1 x romantic holiday – £1,083
2 x weekend away – £356.80 x 2 = £713.60
2 x cinema visits – £20.10 x 2 = £40.20
5 x meals out – £87.90 x 5 = £439.50
1 x theme park or local attraction – £135.50
1 x gig or live music event – £92.10
11 x spontaneous drinks out – £38 x 11 = £418
2 x fun activities (eg bowling, mini golf) – £36.10 x 2 = £72.20
5 x beauty treatments / haircuts – £89.50 x 5 = £447.50
TOTAL = £3,531.20
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