What do today’s romantic relationships look like – not just in the literal sense but also when it comes to everyday challenges, conversations, “silent days” and the need for closeness? Such questions were covered in a survey involving 1,082 participants aged 18–69 who have stayed in a relationship. The results of the survey allowed us to take a more in-depth look and see how contemporary Poles define closeness, conversation and mutual support.

The vast majority of Poles (83%) believe that it is possible to build a life-long relationship. The report suggests that, on average, we tend to stay together for nineteen years and, in our relationships, we look for loyalty, respect and support.

Communication remains a central, yet challenging, aspect of relationships. While 80% of participants say they can talk to their partner about anything, almost half admit to experiencing “silent days”, meaning withdrawing into silence during conflict. Disagreements most often stem from everyday issues such as household duties or finances, but their consequences can run far deeper, requiring shared effort and work to rebuild a healthy relationship.

The study also explored health and intimacy within relationships. Nearly 86% of respondents believe that a partner’s intimate health is a shared matter, and around 75–80% say they address preventive healthcare together. The report also shows that, for many couples, closeness is not only physical but also emotional. As many as 78% say that feeling safe and supported matters more than the frequency of sexual intercourse. At the same time, one in five respondents notes that stress and exhaustion negatively affect their intimate life, and a lack of open conversation about needs can become a major source of distance between partners.

Watch our short highlights from the report launch:
“The Anatomy of Relationships: Face-to-Face Connections”