Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Virtual love didn’t tear us apart
Quarter of couples separated by lockdown now want to commit
COLEEN NOLAN’S GREAT CORONAVIRUS SEX SURVEY
IN part two of our Big Love and Sex in Lockdown series, you reveal what it’s like to be away from your partner...
Those who relied on video calls to keep romance alive through Zoom, Skype and Facetime know they can never replace being physically close to a loved one.
Unsurprisingly, most lovers isolating apart (77%) missed sex and physical touch. I’m amazed the figure wasn’t even higher.
For some of you, lockdown became too much and 34% of separated couples broke rules to reunite.
I can’t condone this but it shows the huge pressure the situation put on intimate relationships.
I’m not in a romantic relationship right now but I have been really missing connecting with family in person and being able to hug my sisters and brothers.
Some 72% of couples were not apart by choice but because of work or living too far from each other.
And 54% of you used video technology to stay in touch and even for steamy sex sessions.
Hats off to you all for finding new ways to connect sexually. I’m pretty sure I would have ruined the moment by either laughing too much or insisting I kept my clothes on!
Happily, for a third of couples isolating apart, 61% plan to move in together. Lockdown has helped them to realise they’re ready to take the relationship to the next level.
Maybe there is truth in the old saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Was it your choice to isolate separately or a necessity because of work or distance?
Yes: 28% No: 72%
Of those choosing to isolate separately:
64% said their relationship was not at the stage where they were ready to take the next step and move in together.
24% said they were quite selfish and liked their own space and didn’t want their stuff cluttering up my place!
19% were not sure if the relationship would last, so it felt too risky.
Are you missing sex and a physical touch?
Yes: 77% No: 23%
Of those missing intimacy: 59%
said they were relying on solo pleasure and indulging more in porn. 32%
said their partner is not in touch as much as they would like, which makes them feel unloved and insecure. 8%
said they get jealous over each other’s social media posts.
Do you use video calls via Zoom, Whatsapp, Facetime or Skype to stay connected as a couple?
Yes: 58% No: 42%
Of those connecting on devices: 54% said they are relying on regular video calls for everything from, “What are you having for tea?” to steamy late night sex chats. 41% said they have video calls a few times a week but they are a bit too techy. They would prefer a phone call, so they do not have to get out of their joggers or wash their hair. 11%
are having virtual date nights, where they dress up and have dinner via laptops or they might watch a movie or TV show together.
Has lockdown changed how you feel about your relationship?
Yes: 52% No: 48%
For those changing their view, it is good and bad news for the relationships:
43% said they have really missed being with their partner and realise they want to commit to them and plan a future together. 42%
said time apart has made them question why they are together as they enjoyed this time on their own! 28%
said they’d had more meaningful conversations and worked out how to make positive changes in the relationship and have more fun.
Have you argued much during lockdown?
Yes: 24% No: 76%
Of the 24% who argued a lot: 51% said they had issues before lockdown and the situation had made things worse. 42% said their partner is not in touch as much as they would like, which makes them feel unloved and insecure. 7% said they get jealous over each other’s social media posts.
Have you discussed splitting up during lockdown?
Yes: 22% No: 78% 49% said their partner had not been as available as they would like in terms
f staying in touch via phone calls and essages or using voice chats. 0% said they realised they had drifted part/the relationship was not working nd the time during lockdown has been ke a trial separation. 4% said they had not missed their artner as much as they thought they ould during lockdown.
ave you struggled with oneliness isolating apart?
Yes: 66% No: 33% f those who answered yes: 7% of those said they had reached
out more to friends and family.
45% said they call, Facetime or message their partner every day.
37% said talk a lot about future plans and send each other romantic or sexy messages, photos and videos
Have you made any big plans for your relationship when lockdown is over?
Yes: 33% No: 67%
Of those planning big changes: 61% planned to move in together. 11% have got engaged or started planning a wedding.
19%
are talking about starting a family.
Have you discussed breaking lockdown to see each other?
Yes: 57% No:43%
Of those who discussed it: 60% did break lockdown. 27% were tempted but didn’t. 13% of couples, one wanted to break lockdown and the other didn’t.
34% of all separated couples actually broke lockdown.