Too bad but true

You get fatter from a good relationship

You are sweet to each other, do fun things together, enjoy an evening of spooning on the couch... Sigh. Love. So sweet. So... Fattening.

Because, uh, yes, we don't want to be the bearer of bad news of the century, but, uh, if you're happy in love, then you inevitably gain a few kilos. And if those jeans you wore at the beginning of the relationship now only fit with one toe, then you might be bummed. Don't do that. Because it is ABOVE ALL a good sign for your relationship.

The American Psychological Association followed hundreds of couples for four years. And yes, those who gained a bit of weight over time were still incredibly happy with each other and their love life. How come? You naturally have less sadness, stress, and worries which makes your appetite disappear when you're happy in love. Something about always just having a decent hunger, you know. And what also counts, whether we deny it or not: we are already provided with a nice lover. So we don't need to hunt anymore. No nights swaying from bar to bar. No way, you're just lying stretched out together with a movie. Well, can you care about that one cream puff on the couch.

Also notable: people who are getting divorced tend to stay at their weight. Or lose a lot just before the divorce. Probably because they know they almost have to get back on the market and prefer to fish for attractive catches from the pond. So if your lover suddenly starts shedding kilos... Keep an eye on him/her.

Ah, in the spirit of YOLO: what does it really matter? Those mini love handles more or less. Or that just slightly softer backside. If you both are at peace with it, so be it. Advantage: it's only getting colder outside now the autumn and winter are just around the corner. After all, under a nice warm faux fur blanket, no one sees those kilos. Hi toasties with camembert and red wine.

FACTS

– Of the couples who have moved in together in the past five years, over 13 percent found each other online.
– There are more and more singles in the Netherlands: by 2050, half of all households will be single.
– In Nijmegen, Amsterdam, and Leiden, there are more young women single than young men. So if you want to score a guy for the bench; get out of here.

Written by: Tessa Heinhuis