One-quarter of Canadians open to non-monogamous relationship: Survey

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner but instead of being devoted to one person, some Canadians are apparently eager to play the role of multi-tasking Cupid.

A new survey from Abacus Data looked at how the pandemic has impacted relationships and determined a quarter of Canadians were open to a non-monogamous relationship.

For single Canadians, that number jumped to one in three.

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians polled (65%, to be exact) who are currently in a relationship experienced some sort of major change to their relationship status since the start of the pandemic, whether they got married or engaged, started a new, serious relationship, or got divorced or split with their significant other.

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For those whose relationships survived, the pandemic has had virtually no impact at all, with 68% of those surveyed saying they love the extra time spent with their partner, 28% were indifferent, while 4% hated it.

Perhaps if you’re in that last group, the idea of a non-monogamous relationship is tempting.

As for those who were looking for love during the pandemic, considering all the lockdowns and restrictions and social distancing, it’s perhaps no surprise that some singles haven’t had an easy time of it.

An overwhelming majority (72%) of single Canadians said it is more difficult to date in a pandemic. And while the circumstances have changed, so too have the qualities one looks for in a long-term partner.

Emotional compatibility along with personal interests, life priorities and physical attraction were the most sought-after traits.

Canadians also looked for someone with whom they are compatible as far as family, religion, sex and finances go.

It should be noted that those in relationships put sexual compatibility higher, while single Canadians placed more importance on common interests.

The big differences, unsurprisingly, are between men and women. Women are much more likely to place importance on emotional compatibility (65% vs. 57% of men) and life priorities/pace compatibility (59% women vs. 44% men).

Meanwhile, for men, it’s all about physical attraction (50% vs. 39% of women) and sexual compatibility (36% men vs. 22% women).

And of course, the question of true love came up, with half of Canadians saying they believe in finding “the one,” 32% said maybe, and 13% said not at all.

Who said love was dead?