According to new research, only a quarter of partners believe they are with the person of their dreams.
Relationships on Female First
Just 23% of couples think they have found their Mr or Mrs right in life. Very few people believe that they will be with their current companion for the rest of their life because they are holding out for something better.
Many partners are dating someone whom they deem to be 'very definitely' not the one.
A third of these people think that they will eventually meet their special someone in the future and it will all be down their individual destiny.
A fifth would refuse to marry their significant other for fear that they would miss out on marrying their real soulmate.
Of those who are married- 80% would consider leaving their spouse if they suddenly met the woman or man of their dreams.
The research, published today, was commissioned by Fridhem Publishing to mark this week's publication of Anglo-Swedish author Helene Fermont's new novel, Because of You.
Fermont, a writer of contemporary women's fiction with a "psychological twist", said the findings reflect an "inherent romanticism" and not taking second best- even if the cost is a lifetime of loneliness and waiting rather than living in the moment.
"The findings of this research appear to suggest that a significant proportion of unmarried people are in relationships that they will always question," she said.
"It is likely that the majority of these relationships are happy ones, and that love is present in some cases.
"Yet so many of these relationships seem doomed to failure because one or both parties are holding out for Mr or Mrs Right. They have a nagging doubt that their existing partner is in some way not good enough."
Fermontadded: "It is one thing to cherish a romantic ideal but quite another to sacrifice the prospect of a long and happy life with someone on the premise that a 'better' match is on the cards. This is a risky game to play".
Of the 126 respondents not currently in a relationship, 82 per cent said they would remain single for over two years before coming to the conclusion that their perfect partner is not going to come along, despite the majority believing that 'the one' could come into their lives at any point.
The ideal soulmate supposedly has a forgiving nature, are kind and caring, and to love their partner unconditionally. Additionally, someone is deemed perfect if they share the same hobbies and interests as their pursuer, has the same outlook on life as well as a good sense of humour.
Furthermore, 53% said that they would expect their perfect partner to be perfect for someone else too, which means their partner could already be taken.
Fermont said: "Whether destiny plays a part in relationships or otherwise, what we must remember is to live in the here and now.
"Holding out for Mr Right is a waiting game with no guarantee of success. Enjoying the moment is what really matters for us all. Life is short, so grab it with both hands."
tagged in Partner Relationship