EliteSingles has found that a worrying 35% of singles have previously been in a loveless relationship and 58% stuck it out for more than 5 years.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

25% of singles believe that a relationship can work without love and would rather have that than nothing at all.

So why do so many put up with a lack of love in their partnership?

Some stay put for the kids, as it's less disruptive for the whole family.

Many fear being alone and so will settle for a loveless relationship just to have company.

Some are just plain lazy and are not willing to put the effort into leaving their partner or finding another one.

Finances can also pose a problem- as it's costly to get a divorce or separate and can leave individuals worse off when they are alone.

For the minority- they fear what people will think- their friends, their family- their workmates- and it prevents them from acknowledging the truth.

Only 2 % believe that sex and intimacy is a reason to stay with one another.

Some singles are convinced that their chance at love has been and gone- as they admit the love of their life was an ex. However they also hold onto the notion that love increase over time so the longer they are with someone new- the more love they will feel for them.

Singles were asked would they prefer to be loved or love and many admitted they would rather endure unrequited love.

'Should I stay or should I go?' Psychologist Salama Marine offers advice to lovelorn couples

Many of those in a loveless relationship may ask themselves whether the relationship is still salvageable, or whether they should cut their losses and move on. EliteSingles' Psychologist Salama Marine psychologist says, " Ask yourself the following questions;

1) Is your partnership rewarding, or are you giving up your freedom for relatively little return?

2) Are you really attached to your partner, or simply to the idea of a partnership?

3) Can you rely on your partner, or do you feel alone when times get tough?

4) Are you satisfied with your sex life?

Reflect on the answers to these questions and ask yourself if you are in the partnership for the right reasons. Is there enough there to build upon in the future? If you decide to continue with the relationship, remember that being in a relationship is not a passive process. Love isn't a case of 'there one day, gone the next' - you need to work on it every day."


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