We all know how exciting the start of a relationship can be. As you spend quality time on dates and learn more about each other, the weeks pass by until you finally feel ready to move in together. And that’s when couples genuinely learn the truth! Everyone has good and bad habits, and it’s up to partners to discover the ones they love about each other – and their least favorites, too.
We’ve taken the results from study of 2,000 adults, provided exclusively by fitted furniture experts Hammonds, to reveal the annoying habits that crop up time after time. Here are four of the most compelling reasons to change.
Snoring
Loud snoring is one of the most unpleasant sounds to be woken up by, but some couples are all too familiar with it. Whether it’s caused by sleep position or a medical condition, snoring can be incredibly disruptive.
Hammonds’ survey found that snoring is one of the most common complaints. At least two in five participants were annoyed by their partner’s snoring, with half of all women in the study reporting being bothered by it!
Luckily, preventing or treating snoring is usually simple. Sleeping habits on your side, wearing small devices, or seeking medical advice could help reduce the noise.
Stealing the duvet at night
Whether it’s an innate need for warmth or a craving for the sensation of safety, there are so many reasons why someone might be a duvet hogger.
But this natural habit can leave partners on high alert, never truly being able to settle into a deep sleep before being rudely awoken. Hammonds’ survey found that 37% of women and 32% of men complain about their partner stealing the duvet.
While this habit might be tricky to change, there are some solutions to try as a compromise. In several European countries, including Germany, couples often sleep on the same bed with two duvets.
Not listening
A good listener strengthens any relationship, but it’s foundational for a successful, long-lasting partnership. Unfortunately, Hammonds revealed that over half of all partners found this habit the most annoying, making it the most prevalent.
A staggering three in five (60%) of women complained that their partners don’t listen. This unfortunate tendency leaves us feeling down and rejected, making conversations and regular planning much more difficult. It’s always worth learning how to be a better listener in your relationship.
Too much screen time
Finally, in an era that’s increasingly dominated by our handheld devices, it’s hardly surprising that many couples struggle to balance their quality personal time with the hours spent looking at a screen.
Excessive screen time is a source of significant strain on modern relationships. Hammonds’ survey revealed that just over a third (35%) of people were annoyed by their partner’s screen time.
Social media can distract us from genuine interactions, making relationships feel isolating and withdrawn. Couples should try to balance their screen time with quality time spent together.