Romance Is Dead: 42% Would Rather Forget Their Anniversary Than Lose Their Phone
Almost Half Of Brits Would Rather Forget Their Anniversary Than Lose This...
Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK
When it comes to valuing relationships, it appears we care more about our phones than anything else - as a new survey has found that just under half of people (42%) would rather forget their anniversary than lose their phone.
Ouch.
Two thirds (66%) of people admit they would feel lost, unhappy, stressed or anxious without their handset.
Meanwhile more than half of people (58%) said they couldn't go for longer than a day without checking their phone. This is compared to 28% of people who said they couldn't go more than 24 hours without speaking to their partner.
Open Image Modal
Nationwide surveyed 2,000 people who are in a relationship and own a smartphone.
They found that 53% check their mobile phone first thing in the morning, before talking to their partner.
People spend three-and-a-half hours a day, on average, chatting to their partner. But only one in four (24%) said they are completely paying attention, PA reports.
The rest tend to switch off and opt to browse the internet, text or check social media at the same time.
Many people said they carry their phone with them around the house, to their bed and to the bath. With some also checking their devices while in the shower or on the toilet.
Dan King, Nationwide's head of FlexPlus Current Account, said: "It would seem many people prioritise using their mobile phone over spending time with their partner and would struggle to cope without their phone for more than a day.
"This shows just how ingrained phones have become in our culture, as we often retain our memories, information and contacts on just one device."
Forget broadcasting your life in Facebook status update format or in 140 character snippets on Twitter. Buy a beautiful leather-bound notebook and write down what you're really feeling - not the edited version that makes you look good but the one that reveals who you really are. It will make much better reading (in private) in years to come than browsing through your Facebook timeline. (credit:Image Source via Getty Images)
Think About Someone Else(02 of13)
Open Image Modal
Selfies are for the self-absorbed. If we spent as much time thinking about others as we do thinking about - and taking snaps of - ourselves, the world would be a happier place. Visit an elderly neighbour, take part in a fundraising event, help out a local refuge... But leave your phone at home - taking a selfie of you being charitable kind of ruins the sentiment. (credit:SilviaJansen via Getty Images)
Tackle Your Bucket List(03 of13)
Open Image Modal
Instead of wasting time scouring your social networks and watching other people's apparently exciting lives unfold as you look on with envy - why not focus your energies on living the kind of life you really want.Tick a few boxes on your bucket list and turn your FOMO into JOMO! (credit:Kevin Elvis King via Getty Images)
Play A Real Game(04 of13)
Open Image Modal
Whether you're crazy for Candy Crush or mad about Mortal Combat, it's time to tear your eyes away from your screen and give those thumbs a well-earned break.Swap gaming for a social sport such as tennis with a friend - the fresh air, exercise and social banter will energise your mind, body and soul. (credit:Iván Ramírez via Getty Images)
Hit The Library(05 of13)
Open Image Modal
Take a break from your kindle and head to the library to immerse yourself in real books. An oasis of tranquility, stepping into a library is like going back in time to an age before technology reigned supreme. Soak up the serenity, smell the pages and surround yourself with centuries of history and culture. (credit:Gulfiya Mukhamatdinova via Getty Images)
Write Postcards(06 of13)
Open Image Modal
Next time you go away somewhere interesting, forget tracking your adventures on Facebook and send postcards to your real friends instead. In an age where most almost all correspondence is done electronically, finding a handwritten postcard on the doormat is guaranteed to brighten up their day. (credit:Maria Teijeiro via Getty Images)
Take A GPS-Free Road Trip(07 of13)
Open Image Modal
Pack a bag, jump in the car, disconnect your Sat Nav and drive... wherever the mood takes you. Destination: Unknown. (credit:David Lees via Getty Images)
Meet Up With A Facebook Friend(08 of13)
Open Image Modal
Whether it's a former colleague or an old school friend, choose a Facebook acquaintance who you banter with online but haven't seen in person for years and arrange to meet them for some real face-to-face catch-up time. (credit:ONOKY - Fabrice LEROUGE via Getty Images)
Take Some Real Snaps(09 of13)
Open Image Modal
Stop relying on apps and filters to make your photos look arty and professional - and learn how to do it yourself with a second-hand SLR camera. (credit:Tara Moore via Getty Images)
Swap Mindlessness For Mindfulness(10 of13)
Open Image Modal
Whether you're sitting alone in a cafe while your friend is in the bathroom or waiting at a bus stop - do you find that you can't relax unless you're staring at your smartphone?Swap this mindless behaviour for mindfulness. Fifteen minutes of mindfulness meditation each day will help to teach you how to be happy with your own thoughts again and break the attachment to your phone. (credit:Peter Augustin via Getty Images)
Make Photo Albums(11 of13)
Open Image Modal
Go through your online photo libraries and get prints of all your favourite snaps then create a collection of albums. Leafing through them with a glass of wine will be a much more enriching experience than scrolling through your Facebook photo library. (credit:JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images)
Run Without Your iPod(12 of13)
Open Image Modal
Although numerous studies suggest listening to music can increase stamina and boost your running performance, few top athletes train while wearing an iPod. It might take you a few attempts to get used to it but try running without music, and instead listen to birdsong, rainfall and the sound of your breath - and you will soon feel a newfound sense of freedom. You could even try meditation while running. (credit:Ashley Gill via Getty Images)
Watch A Gig Through Your Eyes (Not your Phone)(13 of13)
Open Image Modal
It's hard to see what's going on, onstage at a gig these days because of the sea of cameras held aloft filming the experience. And you only have to look at the thousands of gigs on YouTube to see that thanks to picture and sound quality it is rarely worth the effort.You've paid to go and see the band so see them live with your own eyes. Feel the moment. That's the point, right? (credit:Senia via Getty Images)