What makes the perfect partner?

According to a new survey, the perfect partner is cheerful, supportive, and affectionate. Oh, and they won’t watch ahead on box sets without you.

The survey asked 2,000 Brits what qualities they looked for in a perfect partner. While the results included big ideas like supporting your goals, apologising after an argument, and being open to discussion about what the future holds, the importance of small gestures was highlighted once again.

As our Love Nuggets campaign recently revealed, small gestures really do matter. Bringing your partner a cup of tea in bed, sharing a naughty joke, and watching films together all featured as important in the list of qualities a perfect partner would have.

The study also found that over three quarters of Brits felt that it was essential to have the same plans around whether or not to start a family. Different political views, level of intellect and smoking habits were also voted as deal breakers.

Almost half of respondents said the ideal partner would know when you need space, while having their own interests outside of the relationship was important for four in ten.

And though a partner who ‘knows how to cheer you up’ was one of the most important requirements, over a quarter of Brits enjoy it when their other half gets annoyed at the same things they do.

Lorna Haddon, a diamond ring and jewellery buyer at Beaverbrooks, the jewellers who commissioned the survey, said: “It’s clear that the core traits we seek in a partner boil down to their values, openness and desire to build a future together.

“But little gestures and day-to-day interactions can also prove to be a big draw, and end in two people feeling they just ‘fit’.

“Everyone is different and it can be hard to describe why a couple mesh together well – but it’s very exciting when you find it for yourself.”

It’s worth remembering that what’s true for some won’t always be true for you. When two people have enough in common, even something you saw as a deal breaker can fade into insignificance.

Keep an open mind, enjoy the journey, and you may be surprised at what does and doesn’t matter when it comes to connecting with your perfect partner.