It’s starting to get chilly outside — that means the cuffing season is upon us as we spend more time cozied up on the couch, often in the company of a warm body.
When it gets cold and dark out, we find comfort TV, whether it’s rewatching a favorite series, starting an exciting new one, tuning into Sunday Night Football or canoodling to a rom-com with a special someone.
And while it may bring warmth and contentment, streaming habits can also affect our love lives.
Roku commissioned Harris Poll to find out exactly how these habits impact what someone is looking for in a significant other — and the findings revealed “a series of rom-com-worthy icks, red flags and must-haves.”
Results showed that — just like New York City in “Sex and the City” — streaming has become a character in our own stories and love lives.
First dates can be especially awkward, and finding common ground in a TV show can be a great ice-breaker.
Out of the over 2,000 adults in the U.S. polled, more than half (52%) admitted that they would likely bring up their current show during an awkward pause in conversation. How about that “Succession” finale?
Some people even bring up which — and how many — streaming services they’re subscribed to, and they have a bar set.
Twenty-nine percent of singletons have a two-streaming-service standard and won’t date anyone who doesn’t subscribe to at least two streamers.
But the streaming wars look a little different for those already in relationships.
Those who are all boo’d up need to keep an eye out for stream-cheaters. If you’re guilty of watching an extra episode of the show you’re watching as a couple without your significant other, you’re not the only one.
One in five (21%) adults in relationships confessed that they’ve gotten angry when their partner “cheats” and watches an episode of their show on their own.
Meanwhile, some people do watch all episodes of shows with their partners — but they’re not thrilled about it.
About a quarter (23%) of respondents admitted to faking it. They pretend to enjoy a show simply because their partner likes it — now that’s true commitment.
Commitment is extremely important, which is why adults also look for confidentiality in their romantic partners. Keep those spoilers to yourself!
Perhaps not so shockingly, people will go to great lengths to avoid hearing spoilers, including giving up sweets for a week (26%), giving up coffee for a month (19%), willingly stubbing their toe (18%), doing their taxes (16%) and go a week without their phone (10%).
If you’re planning on streaming with your significant other this cuffing season, make sure you don’t let it interfere with your relationship.