The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.)

Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

When it comes to knowing you've found the one, a romantic 19 percent said they realised on their first date, but a more practical 46 percent said after a few months. And the survey revealed that one year and five months was the average time to move in together, to ensure a successful long-term relationship. The survey conducted to launch drama Love & Death on ITVX, also showed the honeymoon period ends after approximately nine months of being together.

Overall 48 percent of Brits believe they have found their soulmate, however despite this one in five (20 percent) admit to being unfaithful to their partner. Of those, as many as 58 percent were found out by their partner. Surprisingly a forgiving 85 percent of couples who have experienced infidelity have managed to work things out together - with 38 percent saying an affair actually made their relationship stronger. 17 percent felt an affair was forgivable on the understanding that it never happens again, while one in ten think being unfaithful doesn't mean you don't love your partner.

A spokesperson for ITVX who commissioned the poll said 'It's fascinating to learn that almost half of all married couples in the UK are impacted by infidelity. Thankfully, the vast majority of British couples are able to resolve things amicably'. A riveting, psychological drama from David E. Kelley and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, Love & Death tells the unbelievable true story of Candy Montgomery (Elizabeth Olsen), a 1980s Texas housewife accused of murder - Love & Death is available to stream on ITVX.

The secrets to a happy relationship
Having fun together – 64 percent
Admitting when you are wrong – 51 percent
Always having each other's backs – 50 percent
Compromise – 50 percent
Having no secrets – 43 percent
Being able to laugh at each other – 42 percent
Never stopping saying I love you – 42 percent
Having the same sense of humour – 41 percent
Never trying to change each other – 36 percent
Regular sex – 32 percent
Never going to sleep on an argument – 31 percent
Being able to cry in front of each other – 27 percent
A 50/50 division of household chores – 26 percent
A similar sex drive – 24 percent
Regular time apart – 22 percent
Liking the same TV shows – 20 percent
Cooking together – 17 percent
Having separate bank accounts – 16 percent
Having the same bedtime – 15 percent
Having an open phone policy – 10 percent
Like the same takeaways – 10 percent
Never going to the loo in front of each other – 7 percent
Being aligned politically – 6 percent
Forgiving an infidelity – 5 percent
Separate beds – 5 percent