Brits Have Four True Loves: Partners, Pets, Football and More
A new survey has uncovered that the average adult in Britain identifies four true loves in their life, extending beyond romantic partners to include children, pets, football teams, and even holiday destinations. The poll, conducted by OnePoll.com and commissioned by retailer Matalan ahead of Valentine's Day, surveyed 2,000 adults to explore what Brits genuinely cherish as true love.
Top True Loves Revealed
The research found that partners top the list of true loves, followed closely by children and dogs. However, the findings highlight a diverse range of affections, with unexpected entries such as favourite books, drinks, and even ex-partners making the cut. The study compiled a top 15 list of true loves, which includes:
- Partner
- Child
- Dog
- Best friend
- Sibling
- Football team
- A home
- Cat
- Holiday destination
- An ex-partner
- Chocolate
- Car
- A book
- A city/town
- Coffee/Tea
Notably, there are gender differences in these affections. Almost 30% of men rank their football team highly as a true love, compared to just 8% of women, who instead value their best friend more, with 30% considering them a soul mate.
Valentine's Day Plans Across Generations
The study also sheds light on how different generations plan to spend Valentine's Day. While 57% of respondents intend to celebrate with their partner, there are significant variations by age group:
- Millennials: 36% plan to spend time with their children, reflecting a shift towards family-centric celebrations.
- Gen Z: This group is most likely to embrace Galentines, with 20% planning to spend the day with friends. Only 39% of Gen Z respondents expect to spend it with a romantic significant other, the lowest among all age groups.
A Matalan spokesperson commented on these trends, stating, "Valentine's is no longer just about romantic relationships. Clearly people feel passionately about various things in life and go as far as saying they love them." They added, "Whether settling down with your favourite book and a cuppa or going out for a meal with the girls, this February 14th we want to encourage everyone to celebrate with their true loves without feeling it's only for romantic partners."
Broader Perspectives on True Love
The poll revealed intriguing insights into how Brits perceive true love. A significant 64% of respondents argued that a true love doesn't have to be a person—it can be anything that brings genuine joy. Over half (55%) believed that a true love doesn't necessarily have to reciprocate the feelings, indicating a broad and inclusive definition of affection.
Other key findings include:
- One in five respondents confessed to loving someone or something more than their current partner.
- 27% admitted to keeping a cherished love secret because it might sound silly, such as a celebrity crush or a particular food item.
- For 46%, the definition of true love has evolved as they've aged, and a whopping 81% believe it's possible to fall head over heels at any age.
- 45% agreed that having multiple true loves makes life more enjoyable.
The spokesperson further noted, "Preferences change with age, in terms of what we look for in a partner or our hobbies and interests. This has a direct impact on what we class as true loves. From colleagues and your children to best friends and siblings, celebrate those you love this Valentine's."
This research underscores a cultural shift where true love is increasingly seen as multifaceted, encompassing not just people but also passions, places, and personal comforts, enriching the way Brits approach relationships and celebrations like Valentine's Day.
