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Brrrrreaking point! Almost 70% of Manchester couples admit arguing over their heating, survey reveals

By Danielle Wainwright

War will rage in Manchester this bank holiday weekend… over the heating, according to a British Gas survey.

They said 68% of people in the city admitted to temperature-related arguments over the heating in their houses.

The survey also found that 76% of women believe they wear the ‘temperature trousers’ and that 15% admit to sneakily adjusting the control behind their partners backs.

The research was conducted to show that temperature plays a major factor in daily household debates and as weather is set to fluctuate again this weekend, heating control is back on the agenda for many householders.

Renowned psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos explains why heating control is such a key issue in the home.

“Believe it or not the temperature on the thermostat is the source of one of the most common arguments between couples,” she said.

“Part of the reason for this is around control, establishing boundaries and ensuring that both partners feel ‘heard’ in the relationship. 

“We want to feel comfortable and don’t like the idea that someone who cares about us can be a barrier to that. This results not only in arguments but in partners going behind each other’s backs to manipulate the temperature!”

Dr Papadopoulos also explains that women have a lower temperature tolerance and feel the cold more intensely than men.

She said: “If we’re really going to tackle ‘heat wars’ not only do partners need to learn to empathise, they need to find practical compromises they are both physically and emotionally comfortable with.”

Image courtesy of KMI Club, via YouTube, with thanks.

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