Relationship support charity Relate has carried out an in-depth study into long-term relationships* to mark its 80^th anniversary. The research reveals that more than half of Londoners (53%) make it appear to others that their relationship is happier than it really is.   This is compared to 39% of people across all parts of the UK. Londoners are also more likely to compare their relationship to their friends’ relationships (46% of Londoners do this compared to 38% across all regions).

‘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 London 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 and workplace relationships.

Relate counsellor, Dee Holmes said:

“As these figures show, Londoners are more likely to make out that their relationships are happier than they are, suggesting they feel under more pressure to give the impression of the perfect relationship. 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.”

Londoners were also more likely to:

• Say their relationship had survived some form of infidelity (46% said this compared to an average of 33% across all parts of the UK).
• Pay their partner a compliment every day (35% of Londoners do this compared to 30% of people across all parts of the UK).

Relate provides digital and face-to-face support for all relationships across West Surrey.  To find your nearest service, visit www.relatewestsurrey.org.uk.

• 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 and long-lasting relationship.
• Donate to Relate.

*Taken from a poll of 2,298 UK adults, of which 287 were based in London, conducted online by Censuswide between 19-23 October 2018 on behalf of Relate.

Additional statistics available upon request. For all media enquiries including speaking to case studies and Relate counsellors about the issues raised in this release, please contact : Jill Rawling on 01483 541 725 or jill@relatewestsurrey.org.uk   or For urgent out of hours enquiries call 07875 049415.]