The average adult has four true loves - including football teams, pets and even holiday destinations.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed what the nation really classes as ‘the one’, with other halves topping the list and children and dogs making up the top three.
Almost a third of men (30 per cent) rank their football team highly compared to just eight per cent of women, who instead value their best friend more as a soul mate (30 per cent).
But some unexpected loves were found to be a certain book, tea and coffee and even a former partner.
The research was commissioned by Matalan [https://www.matalan.co.uk/hub/homeware/valentines-at-home.list] ahead of Valentine’s Day and found while 57 per cent plan to spend February 14th with their partner, 36 per cent of millennials will have time with their kids.
But Gen Z are most likely to celebrate ‘Galentines’ according to 20 per cent who will spend the day of romance with friends.
With those who fall into this age bracket least likely to spend it with a romantic significant other (39 per cent).
Similarly, the youngest generation rank the likes of bands and musicians, films and even their bed as true loves more than any other age group.
Matalan’s spokesperson said: “Valentine's is no longer just about romantic relationships.
“Clearly people feel passionately about various things in life and go as far as saying they love them.
“People take up a lot of the list, but not always people we personally know such as celebrities, and surprisingly halfway up the top 20 is ex-partners which could cause a stir.
“Whether settling down with your favourite book and a cuppa or going out for a meal with the girls, this February 14th we want to encourage everyone to celebrate with their true loves without feeling it’s only for romantic partners.”
The research also found a fifth claimed they have someone or something in their life they love more than their current other half.
And almost two thirds (64 per cent) argued a true love doesn’t have to be a person, it can be anything that brings genuine joy and 55 per cent reckoned it doesn’t have to feel the same way back.
Despite this, 27 per cent have kept something they adore a secret due to it sounding silly when said out loud, such as a celebrity or item of food.
For 46 per cent, the meaning of true loves has changed as they’ve gotten older and 81 per cent think it’s possible to become infatuated at any age.
The OnePoll.com data also found 45 per cent believed having multiple true loves makes life more enjoyable.
But for 31 per cent this has led to an argument in their household, even jokingly such as disagreeing about what to eat or teasing about a ‘work wife’.
Matalan’s spokesperson added: “Preferences change with age, in terms of what we look for in a partner or our hobbies and interests.
“This has a direct impact on what we class as true loves.
“From colleagues and your children to best friends and siblings, celebrate those you love this Valentine’s.”
THE NATION’S TOP 15 TRUE LOVES:
1. Partner
2. Child
3. Dog
4. Best friend
5. Sibling
6. Football team
7. A home
8. Cat
9. Holiday destination
10. An ex-partner
11. Chocolate
12. Car
13. A book
14. A city/town
15. Coffee/Tea
