People living in Wales say ‘having fun together’ is the best secret to a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship

Relationship support charity Relate has carried out an in-depth study into long-term relationships* to mark its 80^th anniversary.  The research reveals that people living in Wales place the highest value on ‘having fun together’ in a relationship, compared to those in any other part of the UK.

 When asked about the best secret to a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship, people in Wales were the most likely to say ‘having fun together’ was the key – 40% of people in Wales selected this from a list of options, compared to 33% across all parts of the UK. Londoners were the least likely to say ‘having fun together’ was the secret to a successful relationship – only a quarter (25%) selected this option. 

As far was the Welsh are concerned, ‘talking openly and honestly together’, ‘making time for each other’ and ‘never cheating’ are an equal second – 36% selected each of these options. Across the whole of the UK ‘talking openly and honestly together’ and ‘having fun together’ were in second and third place.

To mark its 80 years of providing relationship support, Relate’s senior counsellors have put together 80 tips for long-lasting and successful relationships of all kinds, including friendships, family relationships, workplace relationships, and couple relationships.

Val Tinkler, Relate Area Manager for Cymru, said:

“We’re a fun lot here in Wales, so I wasn’t surprised people selected this as the best secret to a successful and fulfilling relationship. Humour in a relationship is so important – not only for helping us to bond and enjoy life, but for getting us through tough times. 

“Talking openly and honestly is definitely something we’d encourage all couples to do. Equally, we’d never advise cheating, but the reality is this does happen in some long-term relationships. Once broken, trust isn’t easy to repair, but with hard work, dedication and the support of a counsellor, it’s certainly possible.”

The study also found:

·         More than half (59%) of people in relationships who are living in Wales manage to say ‘I love you’ to their partner every day, compared to 53% across all parts of the UK.

·         54% had a laugh with their partner every day compared to 50% across all parts of the UK.

·         People in Wales who were in relationships were slightly less likely to cuddle every day – 44% did this compared to 47% nationally.

Relate provides digital and face-to-face support for all relationships across Wales.  To find your nearest service, visit www.relate.org.uk.

·         Read Relate’s 80 tips for long-lasting and fulfilling relationships put together to mark 80 years since the charity was founded in 1938.

·         Watch Relate’s new video about the secrets to a successful and long-lasting relationship.

·         Donate to Relate.