We might all be social distancing at the moment, but new US research has found that cuddling up to your partner during confinement could help build a stronger relationship.
Subjects were also asked about their relationship satisfaction and their attachment style, which describes the bonds we have with others. For example, avoidant individuals prefer more distance, while anxious individuals want more closeness with their partner. Each person's style develops in childhood, but can change over time and vary with the individual in question.
The study also revealed some subtle differences between men and women. For men, higher levels of everyday affection were associated with relationship satisfaction, and for women, lower levels of affection were linked with relationship dissatisfaction. The researchers say that this means that for women, touch is an essential part of a relationship and the absence of affection is seen as a negative thing in the relationship.