Gen Z & LGBTQ Couples Are UK’s Happiest, Study Finds
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Study Reveals Gen Z and LGBTQ+ Couples Are Among the Happiest in the UK
While some people might still cling to old ideas about love, it’s modern ideas that are keeping new relationships alive. With Google searches for “how to keep a relationship strong and happy” rising by 550% in the past 12 months, wedding planning experts at the UK’s number one wedding app, Bridebook, have surveyed 1,000 Brits to explore what makes relationships work in 2025 — from intimacy and emotional connection to the conflicts that cause strain.
Love Actually? A Deep Dive Into What’s Making UK Relationships Happy
1) Gen Z and LGBTQ Couples Are Crushing the Love Game
Often stereotyped as commitment-averse or overly reliant on dating apps, Gen Z couples are quietly challenging expectations about modern relationships. Far from being disengaged, they’re prioritising emotional connection, communication, and mutual support. In fact, Gen Z couples are leading the way, reporting an impressive 87% average happiness score. This stands in contrast to Gen X, which lags behind with a 79% happiness score. It’s a sign that the youngest generation of adults may be more emotionally in tune than they’re often given credit for.
Homosexual and bisexual couples also report an average happiness score of 85%, surpassing heterosexual couples who score 81%. This suggests that inclusivity and emotional connection in LGBTQ+ relationships may contribute to stronger relationship satisfaction.
2) Romance Isn’t Dead – It’s Just More Cosy
Simple gestures like cuddling and exchanging handwritten love letters can have a significant impact on relationship happiness. Couples who engage in physical affection report happiness scores that are 8% higher than those who don’t, while couples who share love letters or notes see a 6% happiness boost.
3) Sex and Children Are Major Sources of Conflict
With Google Searches for ‘can a sexless relationship be a happy one’ increasing by 800% in the past 12 months, it’s clear that couples are questioning traditional definitions of intimacy. Yet, arguments about sex are becoming the most damaging to relationship satisfaction, with couples experiencing conflict around this topic reporting the lowest happiness scores at just 72%. Issues surrounding children, finances, and future plans also contribute to lower satisfaction levels.
4) Love Is In The Northern Air
Leeds tops the UK cities with an 88% happiness score. Couples bond through physical affection, check-ins, and also have the highest rate of love letter exchanges. Newcastle couples ranked second, scoring 85%, connecting through cuddles (61%), milestone celebrations (42%), and honest chats (38%). Sheffield couples aren’t far behind at 84%. Their key bonding activities include physical affection (58.6%), regular check-ins (44%), and time without distractions (37%).
Glasgow couples score the lowest with 77%. Despite high levels of “pillow talk” (22%) and morning connection (5%), their most common arguments are about bad habits (47%), housework (39%), and lack of communication (30%). With fewer bonding habits being practiced regularly, this is likely causing less relationship satisfaction in Glasgow.
Hamish Shephard, Co-Founder and CEO of Bridebook, commented:
“Modern love is evolving, and with it, our understanding of what it means to be in a relationship. More and more, couples are questioning traditional definitions of intimacy – and even what it means to be a couple. There’s a growing focus on emotional connection, inclusivity, and open communication. As relationships continue to shift, so too does the way couples address challenges, placing greater emphasis on understanding one another and building stronger, more resilient bonds. It’s a clear reflection of how love is being redefined more thoughtfully and inclusively.”
