There are many things you may look for in a partner: good looks, a steady job, kindness to small children and animals... But how about a bed that's free from bugs? Yup, we thought so.
MorgueFile, clarita
According to a survey carried out via Facebook by dating site AreYouInterested.com, bed bugs are having a seriously bad effect on the art of romance, with 56 said they would (we bet that's an excuse you haven't used before).
A further 47 would actually cancel a date if the person they were meeting up with admitted to a bed bug infestation. However, that means 55% aren't bothered - which is slightly worrying, especially if you anticipate ending up at their place.
There is, apparently, a worldwide increase in bed bug infestations, with cities like London experiencing a particular rise in the number of such creepy crawlies. If you spend a night somewhere that has bed bugs, they could get into your home via your clothes. So while it's hardly the most romantic thing you'll say to your date, maybe asking them if they have bed bugs isn't such a bad idea after all.
So what's the best excuse you've ever used to get out of a date?