Issues and Concerns That Australians Have in Their Relationships Today

Relationships Australia conducted a Relationships Indicators Survey (2008) and below are some of the main issues and concerns that Australians have in their relationships nowadays.

The vast majority of Australians have relationships of some kind, be they friendship, romantic or familial. Friendships in particular are highly important, and for those who do not currently have a partner, are as sought after as a short-term or long-term relationship. 75% of the survey respondents had a partner, with just over half being married and approximately 10% with a live-in/de facto partner. The same proportion had a non live-in partner. The vast majority had a close/best friend or a sibling (88%). 40% of the respondents said they were looking for some kind of relationship, with males more likely to say this than females (54% compared to 36%). And furthermore, 20% were looking for a long-term relationship, with twice as many males than females saying this. 5% were looking for a short-term relationship, and of all respondents 20% were looking for friendship.

There were some challenges in finding a partner, with the three key themes being: “There’s no one suitable”, “How do you meet people?” and “I haven’t got time”.
 

Mike Friganiotis

Cairns Family Relationship Centre

Community Educator