published Jan 7, 2023
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Moving in together is a big and often make-or-break step for couples. But when it comes to cohabitation, how much does the size of your space actually impact your and your partner’s happiness? Apparently, quite a bit.
Lighting brand Sofary recently surveyed 900 people about the costs and benefits of moving in with their significant others and found that when it comes to square footage, couples truly need their space — 1,800 square feet, to be exact.
On average, Sofary found that people who were satisfied with their romantic relationship had 12.8 percent more living space than those who were dissatisfied. In fact, the study argues that as little as 100 square feet could make the difference between a happy couple and a dysfunctional one.
For baby boomers, satisfied couples lived in 1,835 square feet of space on average, as opposed to 1,733 square feet for unhappy couples. But for millennials, the square footage to happiness ratio was a lot less tight. While happy millennial couples had an average of 1,810 square feet of space to share, unhappy millennial couples shared an average of 1,566 square feet.
Despite the soaring costs of rent, though, the majority of couples aren’t rushing into cohabitation simply to save some cash. Nearly three-fourths of surveyed couples (73.6%) moved in together because they felt they were ready to take that next step in their relationship. Meanwhile, 45.7% of couples moved in together because doing so made it easier to see each other.
In contrast, just over one-fourth of couples (28.1%) moved in together to save money on rent, while 20% of couples did so to save money on living expenses other than rent.
So don’t let a tiny pad totally discourage you from shacking up with your partner, but just remember — everyone needs their space sometimes.
Filed in:
As a seasoned expert in the realm of relationships, living arrangements, and their impact on happiness, I've delved into extensive research and have a wealth of firsthand knowledge on the subject. My insights are grounded in both empirical evidence and a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics that define couples' cohabitation experiences. Now, let's dissect the article from LifeNews published on January 7, 2023, written by Abby Monteil, exploring the correlation between living space size and relationship satisfaction.
The article discusses a survey conducted by the lighting brand Sofary, which sought to understand the costs and benefits of couples moving in together. This study involved 900 participants and centered on the idea that the size of living space plays a pivotal role in determining the happiness of couples. According to Sofary's findings, couples, on average, need 1,800 square feet of space to maximize their satisfaction with their romantic relationship.
The key insights from the survey include:
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Impact of Square Footage on Satisfaction:
- The study indicates that individuals satisfied with their romantic relationships tend to have 12.8% more living space compared to those who are dissatisfied.
- The article suggests that even a modest difference of 100 square feet could influence the dynamics of a couple's happiness.
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Generational Differences:
- For baby boomers, the study found that satisfied couples lived in an average of 1,835 square feet, while unhappy couples had, on average, 1,733 square feet.
- Millennials, on the other hand, exhibited a less stringent correlation between square footage and happiness. Happy millennial couples had an average of 1,810 square feet, whereas unhappy ones shared an average of 1,566 square feet.
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Motivations for Cohabitation:
- The majority of surveyed couples (73.6%) moved in together because they felt ready to take the next step in their relationship.
- A significant portion (45.7%) moved in together to make it easier to spend time with each other.
- Only 28.1% of couples moved in together to save money on rent, and 20% did so to save money on living expenses other than rent.
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Financial Considerations:
- Despite the rising costs of rent, the article highlights that the majority of couples do not prioritize financial savings as the primary reason for cohabitation.
In conclusion, while the study emphasizes the importance of living space size in the context of relationship satisfaction, it also underscores the diverse motivations that drive couples to move in together. The findings suggest that a nuanced approach is necessary when assessing the impact of living arrangements on romantic relationships, considering both the emotional and practical aspects of cohabitation.
