![Official Government data shows the NHS dealt with more than three-quarters of a million alcohol-related admissions between April and December last year [File photo]](https://powshowbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Pandemic-drinking-puts-more-than-100-people-in-hospital-360x180.jpg)
More than three in 10 couples confessed their love for each other within a couple of months of meeting, research reveals.
A study of 1,500 adults found that 53% of those in a new relationship say the pandemic has caused it to develop quicker than usual.
After just two months, 21% of couples had already moved in together, while a quarter had met each other’s parents.
And after just four months 40% had planned romantic staycations.
But a staggering 78% of those who have made the leap to move in with their other half admitted they wouldn’t have moved so quickly if it wasn’t for Covid.
And 62% who have said ‘I love you’ believe this wouldn’t have been so early in their relationship pre-pandemic.
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Jamie Schwartz, Director of Brand, Marketing and Merchandising at streaming service NOW, which commissioned the survey, said: “Our research reveals the strain of lockdown on relationships, and people are desperate to get-away.”
The study found almost half (43%) have reached milestones sooner than in previous relationships they had before the pandemic.
While two thirds said lockdown has had an impact on their relationship, 72% said it helped make them stronger.
And almost two thirds plan on ‘spicing things up’ with a mini break away to try and fix the strain lockdown has put on their relationship.
Three in five (66%) agree that going on a mini-break together is a “sign of true love”.
Want to bring a little glamour to your life every day with all the most exciting real-life stories, fashion and even sex tips HOT off the press?
Well, we’ve got you covered with our great new Hot Topics newsletter – it’ll drop straight into your inbox around 7pm and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
And signing up now means you’ll get a front row seat for our great new series inside the lives of the next generation of Daily Star Page 3 girls.
You can sign up here – you won’t regret it…
‘Lockdown love’ gestures include virtual dates (37%), booking mini breaks (32%), doorstop drops off (36%), and writing a series of love letters (30%).
It doesn’t end well for everyone though, as of those polled, 52% have ended a relationship within the last 18 months.
Almost a third said lockdown put a strain on things and 29% grew apart due to spending less time together.
A quarter admitted that spending too much time at home exposed cracks in the relationship.
The study also found 33% of singletons are looking forward to having a ‘bit of fun’ once things are back to normal.
And four in 10 will be stepping on the pedal in the hunt for their one true love.
Jamie Schwartz added: “Bridget Jones’ iconic ‘mini-break’ is something we’d all appreciate right now.
The NOW Bridget Mini Break celebrates the movie’s 20th anniversary and offers our members the chance for a fun, themed night away.”
The research by streaming service NOW was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bridget Jones’s Diary, giving fans the opportunity to go on a Bridget Jones themed break to stay the same romantic suite at Stoke Park Hotel where the film was shot, and Bridget and Daniel Cleaver enjoyed their ‘full-blown mini break’.
Find out more here: www.bridgetminibreak.nowtv.com.