Ever wondered why the six month mark is often seen as make or break time in a relationship? New Match findings reveal it’s because this is when three key relationship milestones take place:

Revealing of one’s imperfections (173 days)

First argument (170 days)

Parental introductions take place (24 weeks).

Match, the UK’s most successful dating service, researched over 2,000 men and women to map out the average dating journey, from first meeting to having children.

“Findings showed that it takes us longer to hold hands than kiss.”

As well as uncovering the secret of the six month rule, with 31 per cent stating they would kiss their date immediately, compared to just 27 per cent who would say the same for holdings hands. A further third (34 per cent) revealed they would wait between one and two weeks to holds hands.

Taking things to the next step, over a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits wait between one and two weeks to sleep with their partner whilst 23 per cent wait one month. However, three fifths (60 per cent) would introduce their partner to their best friend within a month. Over a third (36 per cent) said that it would take one month or less for them to get dressed or undressed with the lights on.

“Saying ‘I love you’ happens on average at five months of dating (144 days)”

British daters also see 144 days as the perfect time to embark on a more modern dating milestone: updating their social media relationship status (157 days). Once the crucial six month milestone has passed, daters feel it’s safe to splash out on the relationship by spending the night away (seven months/204 days) or going on holiday together (10 months/298 days).

Over a quarter (28 per cent) said they would wait at least six months before leaving their toothbrush round their partner’s house, whilst 40 per cent said the same for being given a drawer at their partners house.

A third of Brits (33 per cent) will have their first conversation about their long-term future within a year, whilst the big commitment milestones of engagement bling, wedded bliss and babies all happen after the first year. The average couple gets engaged after two years (743 days), marries after just over three (1190 days) and has a family after almost four years of dating (1422 days).

Finally, in terms of when people can expect to find love, the research found that 27 is the average age British daters meet their partners, with women more likely to meet them earlier in life at age 25 than men at 28. Half (50%) of daters meet their partner in their 20s.

Kate Taylor, dating expert for match, said: “While each relationship moves at its own pace, daters are often reassured by comparing their experiences with others’. We all ask our friends, ‘When did you know your partner was The One?’ or, ‘How long did you wait before you kissed?’, so it’s great that Match have researched the nation’s dating journey. If your relationship isn’t falling within these timeframes, use them to adjust your expectations. However, one statistic I disagree with, is how long UK daters are waiting to get undressed with the lights on. We always advise daters to ‘love your imperfections’. Strut your stuff proudly! The right partner for you will love you for the naked truth, inside AND out.”