New wave of turbo relationships fuelled by lockdown measures

The coronavirus lockdown has sparked a wave of “turbo relationships” where an intense few months together feels like several years of commitment, experts say.

New couples living together during lockdown have seen their relationships accelerate and intensify, according to research by the relationships charity Relate and eharmony dating website.

More than 2,000 over 18s in the UK were polled in June 2020, with an additional 365 adults who have been together less than a year and are living with their partners.

The research, Relationships in Lockdown, found more than half (59 per cent) of the new couples felt more committed to their partner in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Almost two thirds (63 per cent) said their relationship has strengthened after hunkering down together during lockdown, while 58 per cent said they now know they want to be with their partner forever.

More than a third said two months together had felt like two years of commitment, and the same proportion said they had reached common relationship milestones quicker.

Relate counsellor Peter Saddington said: “In wider periods of societal unrest, couples often pull together.

“The combination of more time spent together, heightened anxiety levels and the removal of common routines – like seeing friends – is an intense mix.

“And, whilst many of the consequences of these turbo relationships are encouraging, people must remember we are living through a unique set of circumstances.

“If your relationship doesn’t continue at the same pace or feelings lessen post-lockdown, that doesn’t spell disaster. Communication is vital.”