72 per cent of women find their partners irritating according to new research by NatCen Social Research using information from Understanding Society. Women are also more likely than men to find their partner irritating, according to the results released this Valentine’s Day.
The research, which made use of information from Understanding Society shows that among couples who live together, 72 per cent of women say that their partners get on their nerves, compared with 59 per cent of men.
However, the data reveals a strong tendency among couples to share their worries and rely on each other:
- 98 per cent say they can rely on their partners a lot (83%) somewhat (11%) or a little (4%)
- 96 per cent say they talk about worries with their partner a lot (65%) somewhat (23%) or a little (8%)
The new research uses Understanding Society data from 21,394 adults who live with their partners. It also shows that as people get older they find their partners less irritating. Only 29 per cent of people aged between 16 and 34 say their partners don’t get on their nerves at all, compared with 30 per cent of 35-54 year olds, 35 per cent of 55-64 year olds and 40 per cent of people aged over 65.
Older people are also less likely to let their partners down. 74 per cent of over 65s say their partners never let them down, compared with 65 per cent of 16-34 year olds and 35-54 year olds and 67 per cent of 55-64 year olds.
When it comes to sharing worries, however, there is very little difference between age groups. 67 per cent of both 16-34 year olds and over 65s say that they talk about their worries with their partner a lot.
Penny Young, Chief Executive of NatCen Social Research, said:
“The Understanding Society survey is invaluable when it comes to understanding what keeps relationships going. Our research shows that how much couples can share their worries or rely on each other is key to whether a relationship lasts and Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect on whether we are doing enough to support our partners.”
Understanding Society, which is following the lives of people living in 40,000 UK households, is run by a team of longitudinal survey experts based at ISER.
- Information was provided courtesy of Natcen Social Research.
Further details
For more information, including more detailed tables of results, contact Leigh Marshall leigh.marshall@natcen.ac.uk
Tel: 0207 549 8506 or 0782 803 1850.