Time pressures 'leave couples only ten minutes a day to talk'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

They are so busy that more than 40 per cent have to save the important conversations for the car.

One in seven believes that a car journey is the perfect time to talk to your partner about the big issues, as there are fewer distractions.

According to the survey, women have so little time for face-to-face contact with loved ones that one in five texts her partner when she needs to communicate.

As they try to juggle work, home and a social life, one in ten relies on Post-it notes - and one in 14 resorts to email to keep in touch with a loved one, women's car insurance specialists Sheilas' Wheels found.

When couples do snatch a moment, the family dominates the conversation for nine out of ten.

Three-quarters talk about sharing the chores and a similar amount discuss the pressures of work.

The least attention is paid to the state of their relationship - with only 37 per cent chatting about this.

However, failing to find the time for talk puts a strain on their relationship, four in ten said.

Richard Williams, an independent psychologist said: 'In our society we are all bombarded by constant demands, leaving little spare time to nurture relationships.

'A relationship can't be just left to run without input from both partners, it needs to be tended in order to flourish.

This means time together without pressures is essential.

'The car can be a much-needed capsule that provides the environment for healthy emotional intimacy.'

Jacky Brown, of Sheilas' Wheels, said: 'Couples no longer seem to have time to sit down and talk to each other.

'The strain of long working days coupled with constant juggling is having a big impact on modern relationships.

'As a result, the car seems to be one haven where couples can chat with one another and discuss their relationship without too many distractions and for a decent length of time.

'This is a time when traffic jams come in handy.

'But of course it is important to concentrate on the road and avoid arguments at all costs.'