SEX IS OVERRATED. Here is the secret to happiness…

IT’S OFFICIAL – SEX IS OVERRATED, ACCORDING TO SIX IN TEN BRITISH COUPLES … THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS IS A SIMILAR SENSE OF HUMOUR, REMAINING FAITHFUL, COOKING TOGETHER – AND CUDDLING ON THE SOFA IN JOGGERS, WITH NETFLIX, WINE AND SNACKS 

Researchers polled 2,000 long terms couples, and asked them the secrets to a happy relationship, with a resounding 56 percent, insisting that PASSION is overrated.

The majority (80 percent) believe friendship is the key to long term success as a couple, while loyalty (58 percent), came second and having a shared sense of humour came in third place (51 percent).

Watching TV together (41 percent), regular cuddles (35 percent), healthy mickey taking (33 percent) and cooking together (27 percent) are also ingredients for a happy union, while 41 percent voted for monogamy, as one of the most important factors.

Always sharing snacks, listening to music together, having in-jokes, enjoying Netflix marathons – and staying in on weekend evenings with wine and a take-away, are also ways couples stay close.

In fact, according to the findings from leading furniture retailer, DFS, as many as 80 percent of home bird Brits would prefer the perfect night in together, than going out for a posh date.

Soft lighting (26 percent), blankets and throws (22 percent), TV subscriptions (12 percent) and extra cushions (12 percent) are also things that the nation’s betrothed think could help create a perfect date night.

Kellie Wyles, Head of Upholstery from DFS comments: “More and more couples are choosing to spend time in each other’s company at home on the sofa, rather than going out. Creating a cosy and inviting space is key to making nights at home special all year round. In fact, as people plan their Valentine’s Day dates, they can even head to our website for advice oncouple sofa etiquetteand top tips on how to host a date night at home.”

Loungewear is considered the perfect attire for an at home date, according to 29 percent, while a fifth (19 percent) prefer to dress up smart. 12 percent bring the romance by wearing their pyjamas.

It’s no surprise that 83 percent of long-term lovers say it can be difficult to keep the romance alive, due to taking each other for granted (55 percent), money worries (49 percent) and long working hours (45 percent).

92 percent agree that the concept of romance has changed from the old-fashioned notion of roses, chocolates and opening doors, while more than half (58 percent) think that people who have been together for years and still claim to be passionate are lying.

THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS, ACCORDING TO LONG TERM COUPLES

1. Friendship – 80%
2. Loyalty – 58%
3. Having a similar sense of humour – 51%
4. Being comfortable in silence – 42%
5. Watching TV together – 41%
6. Monogamy – 41%
7. Regular cuddles – 35%
8. Healthy mickey taking – 33%
9. Regular date nights – 30%
10. Cooking together – 27%
11. Always sharing snacks – 23%
12. Listening to music together – 23%
13. Having in-jokes – 22%
14. Enjoying Netflix marathons – 17%
15. Staying in on weekend evenings, with wine and a takeaway – 11%
16. Sending funny memes – 11%
17. Foot massages – 10%
18. Being comfortable hanging out in joggers – 9%
19. Watching sports together – 9%
20. Watching true crime documentaries together – 8%

Too Big to Handle? Why Penis Size Anxiety Is Ruining Relationships