Couples out on lavish trips and fancy dinners to rekindle the spark, but Married at First Sight expert Paul Brunson says the real key to intimacy is simpler and free
Couples have forked out more than £750 annually on ‘relationship repair’ presents in an attempt to rekindle romance. A survey of 2,000 adults in relationships revealed 37% have booked holidays to boost their relationship. Meanwhile, 35% have spoiled their significant other with posh dinners, whilst 21% have surprised their partner with flower arrangements.
However, despite spending money on trying to rekindle the romance, 67% reckon “feeling listened to and truly heard” by their partner is the key to maintaining closeness. Married at First Sight specialist Paul Brunson said: “If you can’t hear your partner clearly, you can’t truly connect with them.”
The relationship guru has teamed up with Specsavers, who funded the study, to unveil ‘the Relationship Aid’ – an AI-driven hearing device promoted as a solution for partnership problems, by blocking out background din, emphasising speech and enhancing clarity to assist couples in hearing each other.
“Communication is at the heart of every relationship, and that starts with being able to truly hear your partner,” Paul added. “Intimacy isn’t built on grand gestures and lavish gifts – it’s built on being heard in everyday moments. When those moments are missed or misunderstood, emotional and physical closeness can fade.”
The study showed 31% of couples row with their other half at least once a week. Household chores and responsibilities was the main reason for arguing, however having to repeat something they had already said, alongside feeling unheard were also common triggers.
Nearly six in 10 (58%) said they feel disconnected from their partner when they don’t fully understand what the other is trying to say. Which often leaves them feeling frustrated, emotionally distant and isolated.
The survey found that 21% of people now feel more distant from their partner compared to when their relationship began.
The primary culprits behind this disconnect include reduced intimacy (53%), the stresses of everyday life (52%), and getting stuck in predictable patterns (50%).
Many respondents also attributed the weakening bond to their partner not listening as attentively as before (38%), or a general breakdown in communication (35%).
What’s more, 48% suspect their partner may be struggling with their hearing because they need to constantly repeat themselves or the television being turned up too loud.
Specsavers hearing expert Sonam Sehemby added: “Many people don’t realise their hearing has changed until a partner points it out.
“By then, it may already be affecting confidence and everyday connection. A hearing check can identify changes early, helping people stay engaged with what – and who – matters most.”
