One in 16 Britons has never told their partner they love them, a study has found. And one in four has never said those special words to their mother.
The main reason was being ’embarrassed’, perhaps attributable to the British tradition of ‘a stiff upper lip’.
But they could be missing out, according to psychologist Dr Becky Spelman, who said: ‘There are real scientific reasons why expressing our love makes us feel so much better.
One in 16 Britons has never told their partner they love them, a study by flower delivery network Interflora has found (file photo)
‘When we express or receive love, our bodies secrete the hormones oxytocin and serotonin.
‘This has the effect of making us feel happier, more content and more secure.’
The poll of 1,000 couples was carried out by Interflora.
A total of 25 per cent said the reason they haven’t told someone they loved them was because they ‘too shy’ or embarrassed.
Of those polled, 24 per cent said they ‘assumed’ their mother, father or partner knew that they loved them, so they didn’t have to spell it out.
A total of 21 per cent said that it ‘wasn’t the done thing’ in their family, with 19 per cent saying they weren’t ‘good with words’, and 18 per cent saying they were worried it was ’embarrass’ the person they told.
Of those polled, 24 per cent said they ‘assumed’ their mother, father or partner knew that they loved them (file photo)
Erica Nicholson, of Interflora, said this week: ‘In the UK, there’s a stereotype that we all have a stiff upper lip when it comes to showing our emotions, and we often avoid doing it altogether.
‘We understand the importance of showing someone you’re thinking of them and how much you care – we’ve been helping people to do just that for almost a century.
‘Whether it’s a grand gesture, a birthday celebration, a simple thank you to a friend, or even “just because”, it’s so important to translate that thought into action and send more love to family and friends.’