The trend for fast-forwarding through relationships means that couples are most likely to break up after three years together, according to research from Netmums.
Relationships on Female First
In a study of 1,500 people, it was found that 21 per cent of couples who broke up did so two to four years into their relationship. This is compared to just three per cent breaking up after the traditional ‘seven year itch.’
Looking at couples in the public eye, it’s easy to see this finding reflected, and the struggles of having children is said to be the explanation for this crisis point.
Relationship experts explain that couples today spend less time getting to know each other before committing to living together and having children (one in 20 of those asked fell pregnant within three months).
Far from being the key to making a happy family, one in ten people asked believe that the decision to have children is taken too lightly. Almost half of participants (42 per cent) feel that having children made them less close to their partners, with only a third saying it brought them closer together.
However it was also found a lack of commitment could be to blame for earlier break ups, as 22 per cent of participants believe that couples are too quick to split.
Money worries, a lack of time to spend together and women having to work were also cited as problems in relationships, and these stresses lead two thirds of people asked to feel that they have it tougher relationships than their elders did.
Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard said: “Relationships are tough at the best of times, but add in young children, lack of time, work and money worries and it’s little surprise couples are splitting up earlier than ever before.”
“There is unprecedented pressure on women to be the perfect wife, mother and career woman while men are feeling more and more unsure of their role.”
In conjunction with One Plus One relationship experts, Netmums are offering free online relationship counselling courses. Visit www.netmums.com.
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