After a long day in the office, sometimes all you want to do is bury beneath the sheets for a well-deserved Netflix binge – preferably with a side helping of carbs.
But hands up, how many of you in a long-term relationship can’t shake the shame in swapping candlelit dinners for takeout pizza in front of the telly?
WATCH BELOW: Netflix Teases November Shows In New Trailer
Well there’s no need to argue over your unwillingness to venture into the real world, as watching television with your other half could actually do wonders for your relationship.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationship, those who spoon on the sofa to watch episode after episode (after episode…) of their favourite show are more committed to each other than those who actually make Saturday night plans.
RELATED: These Are The Netflix Shows To Add To Your List
Research suggests that this is down to creating a “shared social identity” through pop culture references whether you’re forever quoting Friends or can’t help but hit pause for lengthy debates mid-documentary.
In turn, these joint small screen experiences allow couples to “expand their partner’s traits, skills and resources” – a process known as self-expansion.
If that isn’t enough to make you cancel date night, there’s further evidence pointing to the need for television in modern-day relationships – most importantly, reality TV.
According to Maggie Hennefeld, assistant professor of cultural studies at the University of Minnesota, our shameless love of soaps and reality shows provides relief for viewers.
“You don’t necessarily have to watch the image because a lot of info about the plot is coming through the dialogue, the sound,” Hennefeld told Vice. “So you can be scrubbing your tiles or whatever, and a character will repeat three times, ‘Marjorie had an affair with Jonathan!'”
Right, Gilmore Girls it is.
After a long day in the office, sometimes all you want to do is bury beneath the sheets for a well-deserved Netflix binge – preferably with a side helping of carbs.
But hands up, how many of you in a long-term relationship can’t shake the shame in swapping candlelit dinners for takeout pizza in front of the telly?
WATCH BELOW: Netflix Teases November Shows In New Trailer
After a long day in the office, sometimes all you want to do is bury beneath the sheets for a well-deserved Netflix binge – preferably with a side helping of carbs.
But hands up, how many of you in a long-term relationship can’t shake the shame in swapping candlelit dinners for takeout pizza in front of the telly?
WATCH BELOW: Netflix Teases November Shows In New Trailer
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