Are our mobiles making us too clingy?

We all know it is both important and healthy to spend time away from our significant other, doing fun stuff, seeing our own friends and generally being independent. However, a new study has revealed that mobile phones mean we’re never really ‘apart’ from our partners with one in six people saying they expect to hear from their partner every hour of the day!

Do you find yourself texting, tweeting or calling just to say ‘hi’ because your phone is by your side and you can?

The research, which questioned 2000 people, showed how texting and social media means that as well as those who expect to hear from their loved one multiple times every day, 41 per cent expect their other half to be in touch several times a day.

When it comes to other relationships, it seems we have fewer close friends, with two thirds saying they only have five close pals. One in eight said they find that having less friendships to manage makes them feel happier and healthier. It seems the same things that are important in personal relationships, are also important in business – with 60 per cent citing trust as one of the most important aspects of business relationships, with 71 per cent believing it’s the most important element of a personal relationship. Trust, loyalty and humour were also seen as important factors in personal relationships.

So, if you’re texting your other half every hour of every day, what should you do? Here are our top tips:

• Admit it: When you’re being clingy, no one, including your partner will be happy about it. Realising that you both need space is a healthy move.
• Find emotional support elsewhere: Whether you are after conversation, affirmation or someone to hang out with, find it away from your partner so join a club or pursue a hobby. The more rounded your life, the less you will feel the need to call your partner all the time.
• Match their attention: A good way to handle this is to match – not exceed- the level of contact and energy your partner is investing in the relationship. This will make it more balanced and equal.

What do you think is a good level of contact with your partner? Tell us @lovestruck