Here’s how many dates you should go on before becoming exclusive with someone… and dinner dates are more likely to lead to love
A new study says we need to seriously squeeze in those dates before committing to a relationship...
WE'VE all been there: things are going really well between you and the person you've just started dating and you're wondering when you should have "the chat".
You know, the one where you define your relationship and decide whether to become exclusive with each other.
Well according to a new study, the average Brit needs to go on NINE successful dates with a new beau before deciding if they're ready to settle down.
That's a lot of post-work drinks and picnics in the park... just saying.
In a poll of 2,000 people, the study also found that more than one in 10 daters think it takes at least a month for love to truly blossom.
The uncertain singletons favour cinema trips and drinking dates while they're making their minds up.
Julia Pitt, who commissioned the study into speed of commitments, said: "Love can be a mysterious thing and finding out how you really feel can take time to uncover."
The study also found that while 25 per cent of people admit to falling in love with their partner on the first date (must have been an amazing restaurant), over 56 per cent instantly fall for their pets the moment they meet them.
Can you really blame them?
What's more, although British singletons are more likely to take it slow when entering into a new relationship, the average homeowner will commit to buying a new house after just four visits to the property.
Weighing on the matter, professional romance consultant Tiffany Wright said this is all down to the "different types of love we can experience" including the "sexual love which we feel for our partners" and how the love we have for our home is "practical".
She added: "Our emotions are a key driving factor when it comes to making big life decisions, whether this is choosing a partner or a new home."
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In more relationship news, these are the 10 critical questions you should ask your boyfriend before the relationship gets serious.
Plus this is the biggest relationship deal-breaker for British daters... but do YOU agree?
And these are the 10 white lies you should be telling if you want to keep your relationship on track.