Gay couples are likely to be happier and more positive about their relationships than heterosexuals, according to a major study by the Open University published today.... The study of 5,000 peopleâ50 of whom were later followed up with in-depth interviewsâaimed at finding out how modern couples keep their relationships on track through lifeâs difficulties. It found that simple thingsâlike making a cup of tea in the morning and taking it up to them in bedâwere the most treasured by couples as examples of intimacy rather than more dramatic gestures such as declaring âI love youâ.
Only in England would saying "I love you" to the person you married be described as a "dramatic gesture."
It was on the relative happiness of people within different types of relationships that the survey threw up the most interesting insights into modern day life, however. âLGBQ participants (lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer) are more generally positive about and happier with the quality of their relationship and the relationship which they have with their partnerâ the research concludes. âHeterosexual parents are the group least likely to be there for each other, to make âcouple timeâ, to pursue shared interests, to say âI love youâ and to talk openly to one another.â
So if you want to a happy relationship, kids, here's what you wanna be when you grow up: gay and childless. I'm not sure what this means for gay couples who've had kids. But, hey, Terry did make me a cup of tea this morning, so there's that. I'm thinking about saying "I love you" before I leave for work... but I don't want to be a huge drama queen or anything.
