Turning the heating up and down is set to be the cause of the most arguments in the home this winter, results from a new survey conducted by Censuswide has revealed.
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As the temperature drops to as low as -9 in some parts of the UK this week, its seems domestic bliss will take a hit with more than 50 per cent of those people surveyed agreeing that cranking the heating up will cause the most rows at home this winter.
And the research, carried out amongst 1020 homeowners, also asked about the lengths people would go to in their homes in an attempt to survive the colder months ahead.
Lying under a blanket on the sofa, sitting with a pet on your lap or stealing all of the covers from a partner once they are asleep are all popular ways of keeping warm this winter.
One in three of those women surveyed admitted that they were more likely to put their cold feet on a loved one in bed to feel warmer and some even said they’d cuddle up to someone they didn’t really like.
The survey, commissioned by Polypipe Home Solutions, found that men are also set to get closer to their partner to feel cosy – with many admitting they’ll be wearing their partner’s socks around the home in an effort to keep warm.
The survey found that women were most likely to complain about being cold, with 96 per cent saying that the hot water running out would be a big cause of rows at home this winter.
Surprisingly, it seems our feet are at the root cause of our winter woe, with over 40 per cent of people surveyed complaining about frosty toes.
Alarmingly, it seems that men would rather their feet were smelly than cold, regardless of the effect it might have on their partner, with some admitting that they wear their favourite socks around the home up to ten times before washing them.
Cold feet are set to be a particular concern this winter, with over 30 per cent of women planning to buy loved ones cosy socks for Christmas this year.
And despite not complaining as much about the cold, men see keeping warm as a priority, with 32 per cent saying that jumpers are on their list of presents to buy those close to them this year.
Amongst the most popular winter woollens on Christmas lists were gloves, hot water bottles, scarfs, hats and hand warmers.
And it seems that stocking up on winter woollies should save a lot of cross words over the colder months ahead.
Spokesman from Polypipe Home Solutions, Martin Dootson said, “As the temperature drops, it seems that homeowners will go to unusual levels to beat the cold. Not being warm enough can often be the main cause friction in an otherwise happy household, so it is no wonder winter woollies are often a popular Christmas gift.
“Another popular alternative to warming up in your home is to fit underfloor heating. Unlike radiators, modern systems can give out an even, ambient temperature helping to ensure you’re feet remain warm and your living space is that much more comfortable.
“The survey found that one in three of us aspire to have underfloor heating in our homes, and with so many chilly tales from the British public, it’s no huge surprise!”
Top 5 ways to keep warm this winter:
1 Wearing a partners socks
2 Wake up to find a partner has stolen all of the bed covers
3 Worn a scarf and hat inside the house
4 Put feet on a loved one in bed to warm up your toes
5 Cuddled up to someone you don’t like
Top 5 Reasons for arguments in the home this winter:
1 Turning up the heating
2 Opening windows to let fresh air in
3 Turning heating down to save money
4 Someone using up all of the hot water
5 Insisting on a bath rather than a shower
Has the cold weather caused arguments in your household this year? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK
tagged in relationships Couples Cuddles winter