British people meet life-long partner at 27, study reveals

Most people wait five months before telling their partner that they love them

Couples in Britain are likely to get married three years after meeting (Getty Images)

The average age people in Britain meet their life-long partner is 27, according to a new survey.

The study, carried out by dating website Match.com, has found the average age women find 'the one' is 25, while for men it is slightly older at 28.

The results, compiled after asking 2,000 men and women about their relationship, reveal the early dating patterns for British couples. Nearly one third of respondents kiss a new partner on their first date while just over a quarter wait between one and two weeks before having sex.

The average time before partners declare their love for one another is five months. But a month later, the first argument is likely to take place.

Couples are likely to get engaged two years after meeting. Marriage follows at three years and it takes an average of four years before a couple has children.

Kate Taylor, a Match.com dating expert, said: “While each relationship moves at its own pace, daters are often reassured by comparing their experiences with others.”

“We all ask our friends, ‘When did you know your partner was The One?’ or, ‘How long did you wait before you kissed?’”

Ms Taylor added: “If your relationship isn’t falling within these time frames, use them to adjust your expectations.”