Us Brits are an indecisive lot, while a quarter of people believe in love at first sight, a recent study has revealed most people need nine successful dates before they commit to a partner.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed it takes a string of romantic outings before couples start to feel certain Cupid’s arrow has struck, with one in 10 people believing it takes a least a month before love can blossom.
It also emerged the typical Brit has fallen in love twice in their lives, with many believing a meal out with a date is most likely to lead to romance.
Heading out for drinks and a trip to the cinema are also popular choices.
It seems more time is needed to choose the right partner than choosing the right house, however. While nine dates seems to be the magic number for dating, the average homeowner will commit to buying a new house after just four visits to the property.
A third admit to falling head over heels in love the first time they step through the front door.
The study was conducted to see how quickly people commit to some of the most significant things in their lives.
Julia Pitt, from Avant Homes who commissioned the research, said:
Love can be a mysterious thing, and finding out how you really feel can take time to uncover.
It seems, however, that working out whether the bricks and mortar of a new home is right for us is easier than understanding if we are compatible with another human being.
Our research has shown that, when it comes to our homes, how we feel in our hearts often takes precedence over rational thought, letting our emotions lead the way when we step through the door.
But while 31 per cent of those polled admit to falling in love with a home at first sight, it also emerged Brits are more likely to warm to a pet sooner than a partner.
Of those who have a pet, 56 per cent fell for their cuddly creature the moment they met, compared to just 25 per cent of people in relationships who fell in love with their partner on their first date.
Only 17 per cent of drivers have experienced love at first sight for their car.
The study revealed that once they have the keys to a new home, one in four homeowners feel the first butterflies of love within the first 24 hours of moving in.
And it’s female house hunters who are more susceptible to the love bug, with 37 per cent feeling immediately enamoured with their new home, compared to just 24 per cent of men.
Professional romance consultant Tiffany Wright said:
There are certainly different types of love we can experience.
It is intriguing to find that, from the results of this study, our emotional response to some purchases is actually stronger and more driving than those surrounding romantic love.
Well, retail therapy is known to work wonders after all.
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Charlie Cocksedge is a journalist and sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated from the University of Manchester with an MA in Creative Writing, where he learnt how to write in the third person, before getting his NCTJ. His work has also appeared in such places as The Guardian, PN Review and the bin.