In fact, according to the research findings, friendship (88 percent) is the ultimate relationship goal, while loyalty is also important for 61 percent.
Having a similar sense of humour (56% percent), cuddling in bed (35 percent) and healthy mickey taking (35 percent) are other ways British couples keep the spark alive, along with listening to music (19 percent), foot massages (11 percent) and ordering takeaways (9 percent).
And despite a desire to ‘date’ at home, 63 percent admit they struggle to know how to do it.
Board games, comfortable furniture, candles, a box set to binge and a bottle of wine are considered must-haves for a special home date, along with a good movie, a delicious local takeaway and a romantic playlist.
Kellie Wyles, Head of Upholstery, from DFS, commented: “It’s clear from the research that the idea of dating and romance has evolved over the last few years with more and more couples choosing to spend time in each other’s company at home on the sofa rather than going out. At DFS, we know a thing or two about comfort and believe that creating a cosy and inviting space is key to making nights at home special all year round.
"And with a fifth of us looking for a new sofa to improve our at-home date set up, we’re confident we’ve got just the thing. In fact, as people plan their Valentine’s Day dates, they can even head to our website for advice on couple sofa etiquette and top tips on how to host a date night at home.”
A nice bottle of wine (40 percent), home cooked meal (33 percent), soft lighting (32 percent) and no screen time (25 percent) are also things that the nation’s betrothed think could help create a perfect date night.
Jeans and a nice top (37 percent) are considered the perfect attire for an at home date, with one in four (25 percent) opting for loungewear and a quarter (25 percent) dressing up in a nice dress or shirt. 9 percent bring the romance by wearing their pyjamas.
It’s no surprise that 70 percent of long-term lovers say it can be difficult to keep the romance alive, due to taking each other for granted (51 percent), money worries (51 percent) and long working hours (51 percent)
88 percent agree that the concept of romance has changed from the old-fashioned notion of roses, chocolates and opening doors, while more than half (42 percent) think that people who have been together for years and still claim to be passionate are lying.
Home date nights - what’s your thing?
No matter your at-home date night plans, DFS has the perfect thing for you and your partner this Valentine’s Day and beyond:
Binge a box set on The Showcase cinema sofa
Planning a boxset binge or a movie marathon? The Showcase sofa is a sleek, modern cinema sofa packed with state-of-the-art features, including Bluetooth audio, 4D vibration, reclining seats and cup holders. Perfect for immersing yourself into your home movie experience – whether that’s watching a Valentine’s Rom-Com or a thrilling Sci-Fi.
How to keep the spark alive according to long term couples in Edinburgh:
Friendship - 88%
Loyalty – 61%
Having the same sense of humour – 56%
Monogamy – 47%
Holding hands – 42%
Watching TV together – 37%
Sharing a comfortable silence – 35%
Cuddling – 35%
Healthy mickey taking – 35%
Regular date nights – 33%
Having your in-jokes – 26%
Sharing a bottle of wine – 23%
Listening to music together – 19%
Sharing snacks – 18%
Cooking together – 16%
Sharing food – 16%
Sending funny memes – 14%
Being into a good Netflix series – 12%
Giving each other a foot massage – 11%
Ordering takeaways together – 9%
Watching true crime documentaries together - 9%
Watching sports together - 7%
Hanging out in joggers together – 4%