31 December 2020

10 signs you’re ready for a long-term relationship

31 December 2020

This might come as a surprise if you associated some dating apps with casual hook ups – but a new study suggests people who use dating apps might be more eager to settle down.

New research by the University of Geneva, published in the journal PLOS One and based on analysis of more than 3,000 over-18s in Switzerland, found that couples who met through an app had stronger intentions to cohabit than those who met offline. In other words, they had clearer long-term relationship goals.

It’s an interesting finding – especially if you’ve been navigating the tricky world of dating during the pandemic.

So here are some other key signs we have compiled (unscientifically this time, but we think they might be true….) that could show you are keen to ditch the single status and make the leap into a loving and long-term romance.

1. You’re sick of swiping

Let’s face it, you’d really like to get rid of the annoying admin task that is keeping up with your dating profiles. Sure, love is great and everything, but is there any better feeling than deleting an app that pings notifications at you 24/7?

2. You think about being in a relationship all the time

Your daily lockdown walk often involves daydreaming about meeting a handsome stranger in the park and embarking on a cute, socially distanced romance worthy of a Richard Curtis film.

3. You just want someone to watch Netflix with

Seeing as you’re going to be burning through boxsets for the foreseeable future, you’d really like to find a sofa buddy to enjoy it with. Preferably before the new series of RuPaul’s Drag Race drops.

4. You’re bored of being the only single person on Zoom hangouts

Zoom is the worst when your friends show up with their partners and you’re suddenly the only single person holding their own in the conversation.

5. You think social distanced dating is the worst

Mostly because there’s so much room for awkward misunderstandings. Do you go in for a cheesy elbow bump when you meet? Or do you just politely nod and start walking together, with several meters between you? We reckon the government should really issue some official advice.

6. You miss intimacy

It’s been several months since you last had a hug, let alone a full-on, passionate snog. You’ve noticed that whenever you watch movies, you find yourself sourly rolling your eyes when the romantic leads finally get together.

7. You want to Instagram cute DIY projects together

It’s shallow, but part of you just wants to find a partner so you can make like all the other pandemic couples and smugly show off your lockdown projects on social media.

8. You need someone to help you with your at-home haircut

Let’s face it, the last solo attempt was absolutely dire, so you’d like someone else on-hand to blame when your next DIY haircut inevitably goes wrong.

9. You’re looking for a buddy to detest home workouts with

Moaning about those wince-inducing Joe Wicks sessions feels so much better when you have someone else to agree with you.

10. You just want someone to hang out with as the days blur into one

You’re not quite sure what day of the month it is, let alone the day of the week, and you’re pretty sure the weeks ahead are going to involve a lot of confused monotony.

Wouldn’t it be great to have someone to share the perplexity with until things go back to normal? Come on Cupid, we’re ready and waiting.

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