The coronavirus lockdown has led to a wave of “turbo relationships” where couples have moved at a much faster pace than they would otherwise, experts say. 

New couples who have started living together during lockdown have seen their relationships intensify, with a few months together sometimes feeling like several years of commitment, according to research by the relationships charity Relate and eharmony dating website.

The findings come after deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries urged couples to “test the strength” of their relationships and move in together at the beginning of the lockdown in March.

The study of more than 2,000 over-18s in the UK found that almost two thirds (63%) said their relationships had strengthened after living together during lockdown, while 58% said they now know they want to be with their partner forever.

More than half of couples (59%) felt more committed to their partner after dealing with the pandemic together.

In more established couples, 42% welcomed the quality time they had been able to spend with their partner.

The lockdown has also accelerated some relationships, with more than a third of respondents saying two months together had felt like two years of commitment.

The same proportion said they had reached common relationship milestones quicker.

Eharmony relationship expert Rachael Lloyd said that while the pandemic has “seriously tested” relationships, many new couples are coping well.

“What’s really interesting is the creation of so-called turbo relationships whereby couples who’d never usually move at such speed may have found themselves living together within weeks of meeting – and largely thriving,” she said.

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