2020 had major implications on every part of our lives, from our careers to our health and our relationships.
A recent study by Relate found that 61% of respondents said the pandemic has made them realise relationships are the most important things in their lives. But, what impact has 2020 had on relationships in the UK?
Looking for love
In a world where options for dating have become extremely limited, dating app usage soared to new hights. YouGov found that a fifth of single Brits who were actively dating pre-lockdown turned to apps to continue their search.
Tinder users made three billion swipes worldwide on Sunday 29 March 2020 and this year it’s rival company Bumble that’s seen an increase in users – and share price.
And it appears, people’s views on the pandemic and lockdown are impacting those looking for love, with around four in 10 people cancelling dates with someone who didn’t want to take the Covid-19 vaccine or socially distance. Those numbers show that while Covid is high on everyone’s minds, there is still an unfaltering determination to not let the pandemic spell the end of their search to find love.
Baby boom
At the start of the pandemic, there was great speculation that it might lead to a baby boom. And whilst your Instagram feed might suggest many happy couples are sharing good news, there is in fact growing evidence from around the worlds that the pandemic has led to a baby bust. It looks like falling birth rates is yet another trend that the coronavirus crisis has accelerated, and it could bring significant economic ramifications.
Many people experienced furlough, job uncertainty, and rising cost of living prices which has led many to delay plans to have children.
The beginning of the end
Whilst divorce rates have been increasing for the last few decades, a year of being lockdown with the one you once loved led many to re-evaluate their life and love. Divorce solicitors saw an increase in enquiries in the subsequent 4-5 weeks following the lockdown announcements, signalling that being forced to spend more time together is testing many marriages to breaking point.
David Lister, Partner and Head of Family Law at Simpson Millar said:
“The last 12 months have been undeniably challenging, with many couples feeling the pressures of home working, childcare, home-schooling and in some instances a reduced income too.
“As such, it’s no surprise that such an intense period is leading to more separations and divorces, and as lockdown eases, we expect that more people will move forward with their plans to part ways.”
Whether your relationship has stood the test of time or you’re still looking for love, lockdown has taught us how important our relationships are, and how short life is.