Romance in air during the lockdown

A QUARTER of couples said their relationship improved during lockdown, a survey has found.

Romantic relationships were more likely to get better than worse during the pandemic, while the majority stayed the same, according to the Open University.

Its study of 1,319 UK adults found that around one in 10 respondents ( 11 per cent) said their relationship had deteriorated between March and late July/ early August.

More quality time together, talking, emotional support and thoughtful gestures were commonly reported by the 26 per cent of respondents whose relationships improved.

The report by Jacqui Gabb, professor of sociology and intimacy, said: “The UK lockdown enabled many parents to spend more time with their children.

“More co- parenting could improve relationships for women – who are usually the main carers of children.

“I have studied long- term couple relationships for years and I cannot stress enough how important it is to simply talk, to discuss feelings and not to brush issues under the carpet and let them fester.”