Ah, Galentine's Day. Our saviour from the horrors of Valentine's Day, AKA the only day of the year where showing love and men being romantic is socially acceptable.
Whether companies are using female friendships as a marketing tool or not is a WHOLE other discussion.
For now, we're just gonna bring Leslie Knope vibes for 2019's Galentine's Day, which falls the day before Valentine's Day, and celebrates the power of galpals.
Of course, you don't need to be single to celebrate the special day that is Galentine's; You can snatch all them sexy roses from your boo and high five your ladypals at the same time.
1. Channelling the OG Renaissance Romantics:
Happy #GalentinesDay everyone! Don't forget the real meaning of the holiday, which is not only about uplifting your best girlfriends but coming together as women to drown men and have great hair pic.twitter.com/A7g06btUtw
New research suggests that social media is becoming a "common problem" in Irish marriages, according to The Independent.
Over 3,000 clients took part in a survey in Maynooth over two years which discovered that both men and women find social media and technology "behaviour" causes difficulties in marriages and relationships.
Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service maintains that constant access to technology and phones has taken away the "cooling off" period following an argument.
Social media and finances cause difficulty in marriages – Accord https://t.co/oNviu2tc06 Both men and women agree that technology and social media cause difficulty in their relationships and marriages. #ACCORD
The Accord has commented that it will alter it's service to accommodate the issue following couples' feedback.
Bishop Denis Nulty, president of Accord and Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, said: "Social media is a huge issue. Pope Francis spoke about this at Croke Park and we need to be digitally conscious."
He elaborated on why the results are vital for the organisation; "We're dictated by gadgets so being clued-in is important."
On the removal of the "cooling-off" period he said: "When you send a text, a tweet or a Whatsapp message, there's no way of pulling it back, and it causes huge heartache for everyone involved."
"As we shape our marriage preparation courses in the future, we'll be taking this into consideration," Bishop Nulty mused.
"We have a low divorce rate in Ireland, and I would like to keep it low. I have no doubt people in Ireland still take marriage very seriously."
16,048 individuals attended the Accord's marriage preparation courses across the nation in 2018, which was down almost 800 from 2017
Accord counsellors separately provided 24,180 counselling sessions to individuals and couples during 2018 throughout the whole island of Ireland, which was less than that of 2017.
The bishop attributes some of the drop in figures to couples attending different private counselling services.
Other "problem areas" included unresolved arguments, inappropriate behaviour during arguments and dissatisfaction with their sexual relationship.
75 per cent of clients who saw data reviewed claim that their relationship improved following counselling.
Valentine's Day can put a LOT of pressure on our shoulders (or those of our boyfriends/husbands) when it comes to gifts.
Whether it's the classic present of roses, chocolates or more elaborate ideas like a hotel getaway; you're going to need some good offers because the holiday brings some expenses alongside it.
We've created a list of our top Valentine's Day gifts you can find at the moment, get them before they're gone.
1. Jo Malone London Valentine's Day Floral Box
What better treat to give than the iconic Jo Malone glamorous glass bottle, containing a scent inspired by "seven of the world's finest roses", with a hint of lemon and crushed violet leaves.
Positively dreamy, a little bit like everlasting love. The special floral box is available exclusively from February 7 until Valentine's Day, and we advise pre-ordering because these will absolutely fly out the door.
Some of us need something stronger for Valentine's Day, and Absolut really is the perfect choice. They've created the Drop of Love bottle; an ink message fed from signs of hatred around the world and turned into a message of love. Pretty inspiring.
The action has been used by the company to show the ability to recycle hatred and create something better from it; for example some UNREAL vodka with natural ingredients and no added sugar.
The Swedish vodka brand love coming up with campaigns with artists, designers and aid organisations, and this Valentine's Day bottle is the best one yet.
Jo Malone have partnered up their most loved scents to curate the Jo Malone London Power Couples; layer the fragrant duos to create an irresistible pairing on your skin.
Trust us when we say…they smell AMAZING. The New Romantics feature peony and blush suede and wild bluebell for a softly sensual scent, The Sweethearts combine the English pear and freesia with nectarine blossom and honey for a golden pair.
Seaside Soulmates bring together zesty citrus nots with lime basil and mandarin and wood sage and sea salt for a dynamic duo. Lastly, Star-Crossed Lovers pair jasmine sambac and marigold with wood sage and sea salt for a heavenly experience.
We can't gush enough about these, what a beautiful Valentine's treat these would be.
5. Limited Edition Red Caps & Keepsake Heart-Shaped Box from Jo Malone London
Limited edition red caps are only €5 each along with a free heart-shaped box when you make a purchase between February 1 and February 14, and you can even add a free embossed message, date or initials to the box as an added extra.
It's the first time that the veteran brand are offering a romantic take on Jo Malone London’s signature cream and black packaging; you can acquire the gorgeous heart-shaped box when you buy two or more products in select boutiques in Ireland.
We're heading straight to the shop, we can't let this offer go.
For Valentine's Day, it's only too important to smell and feel your best. We've found the ideal scent for the eve: ROSE. French powerhouse brand L'Occitane have gifted us with a set, that we all both need and deserve.
The gorgeous and elegant fragrance set includes: Rose Eau de Toilette, Rose Shower Gel, Rose Body Lotion and Rose Hand Cream.
L'Occitane 'Romantic Rose' collection is priced at €69 from the L'Occitane website.
7. Bia Beauty facial oil
We are LUSTING after Bia Beauty at the moment; the emerging Irish brand use Mother Nature to deliver 100 percent natural, highly effective, ethically sourced and excellently-packaged products.
Owner Tracey Ryan is a herbal scientist based in Cork, so she has an abundance of fresh ingredients on her doorstep to use, which helped her to create their facial oil.
The nutritious skin product contains rose hip seed oil which is full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Wear it at night to repair and soothe the skin or during the day to boost hydration and plump the skin.
Give it as a gift this Valentine's Day for a woman who desires reduced scarring and increased cell rejuvenation. Gorgeous, Irish and cruelty free: Award-winning Bia Beauty products are definitely made with love.
8. Solid Fragrance Combining Palette by Jo Malone London
A sleek, travel-ready palette is absolutely genius from Jo Malone; it effortlessly encases two solid perfumes for on-the-go scents.
Customers can fill their palette with their choice of two Jo Malone London scents from a selection of ten of the brand’s most-loved, to curate their own pair.
Choose from; Lime Basil & Mandarin, Basil & Neroli, Pomegranate Noir, English Pear & Freesia, Blackberry & Bay, Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Peony & Blush Suede, Mimosa & Cardamom, Wood Sage & Sea Salt and Oud & Bergamot.
The Palette and Refills are available now at Brown Thomas Dublin, get your hands on a pair ASAP before they sell out for Valentine's Day. The cologne's are basically unisex, so they can be bought for man or woman.
Buy: Jo Malone London
Price: Palette: €27
Perfume/Cologne: €16
Perfume/Cologne Intense: €18
9. The Clean Beauty Edit haircare essentials gift-set
Time to go clean and green in 2019; the Clean Beauty Edit are bringing cult, clean beauty brands to Ireland through their gorgeous online boutique.
Olio E Osso, Ilia Beauty, Evolve Organic Beauty, Warpaint, Lily Lolo, Ere Perez and Sun Potion are the brands which Clean Beauty Edit are importing to Ireland,
All products are natural, cruelty-free, toxin-free and sustainably produced and packaged, and their haircare gift-set is GORGEOUS for Valentine's Day. The set includes luxury travel sizes of their Superfood Shine Shampoo, Superfood Shine Conditioner, and Nourishing Hair Elixir.
Their luscious shampoo is formulated with natural cleansers from sugar and coconut which gently cleanse scalp and hair without stripping natural oils. The Baobab proteins boost the shine and organic pomegranate extract rehydrates and protect the hair; what a stunning, thoughtful gift.
10. CraicPack Valentine's Day box for Irish Expats
CraicPack bring some chocolate Irish goodness to everyone at home and abroad. This year they're making a new Valentine's Day box with up to 50 sweets that Irish people living far away miss the most; such nostalgia.
Items included in the adorable box are 10 different types of Dairy Milk, 15 other Cadbury items, Butlers and Love Hearts. Oh, and they even add a box of tea to every pack, because what else would you pair with a chocolate bar? Nothing, that's what.
To help the local community, CraicPack donate up to €5 from every box sold to Focus Ireland to aid the on-going homeless crisis in Ireland. Hon the lads.
Buy: CraicPack
Price: CraicPack (13 sweets + tea): €45 Mighty CraicPack (25 sweets + tea and crisps): €66 The Craic is 90 (50 sweets + tea, crisps, Butlers and Oatfields): €99
11. ÉminenceChocolate Mousse Hydration Masque, Apricot Body Oil and Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel.
Éminence organic skincare is a luxury spa brand that you NEED to hear about, especially for the romance of Valentine's Day. They plant a tree for every product sold; over 10 MILLION to date, and use wind and solar energy for production.
Their peanut inner packing is even made from cornstarch, so it can be composted and is water dissolvable; they really do care about the environment, and their skincare range reflects that.
Not only are they ethical, their newest Valentine's Day products are the perfect present to treat a loved one with.
The Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque fights the visible signs of ageing. Containing a healthy dose of antioxidant-rich cocoa, which is great for your skin, it's macadamia, almond and jojoba oils also provide deep hydration.
The luxurious Apricot Body Oil is blended with an assortment of essential oils, such as grape seed and jojoba, to create a luscious massage oil that leaves skin feeling irresistibly soft.
Last but not least, the Éminence Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel is an at-home peel that can easily be done before a romantic meal.
Valentine's Day always brings an onslaught of great hotel offers, but how can you choose the best one for the most practical price? The Westbury has been voted Ireland's number one hotel by Condé Nast Traveler Readers, and for a good reason.
Enjoy some lavish indulgence in the heart of Dublin by retreating to The Westbury's romance experience. This includes an overnight stay for couples with a romantic rose petal turndown, bottle of chilled champagne, strawberries and delicious chocolates, and a delicious full Irish breakfast in bed in the morning.
‘Romance at the Heart of the Dublin’ with The Westbury is available to book from €450 per room; a great offer considering the prestigious location. Treat yourselves to a trip, you deserve it.
13. Aldi's Valentine's Day alcohol offers: G-in Love
Aldi are offering us something MAJORLY special this Valentine's Day, whether you're waking up to champagne in bed, or heading on a dinner date with gin in mind.
They're giving us the exclusive Boyle’s Alchemy Colour Changing Gin, infused with petals of the Asian butterfly flower, which shifts colour from blue to pale pink with the addition of tonic. Yep, actual. real-life COLOUR-CHANGING GIN.
It’s all to do with the movements in pH, but we can guarantee that this is some magical science.
Buy: Aldi
Price: Boyle’s Alchemy Colour Changing Gin: €24.99
That's not all they've got up their sleeve; Aldi's DV8 Pink Gin Cream Liqueur is BY FAR the perfect gift. Made by the Irish producers of multi-award-winning Brennan’s Old House Gin, this gorgeous liquor will make anyone's day special.
Aldi have some unique sale offers especially for the most loving day of the year; Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut NV, the best-selling and award-winning wine from Philizot and Fils is reduced to only €19.99.
Giotti Spumante Rosé, Sparkling Rosé Blosson, Beaujolais Rosé 2018, Fairtrade Moscato Rosé 2018 have each had their prices cut so that love can blossom with a bit of alcohol to help. Even if it's self-love…
CND are changing the GAME when it comes to nails. For Valentine's Day, why not treat yourself or your significant other to some gorgeous new shades from the iconic brand.
Their new range has stunning pinks, dark berry, ravishing reds and blush tones; show off your romantic side.
Mambo Beat, Rose Bud, Hot Pop Pink, Tinted Love, Wildfire and Dark Lava are ideal for a hot date, or pretty much anything the night has in store. There's a colour for every kind of date.
All of these romantic shades are available in both CND SHELLAC and CND VINYLUX, for longer-lasting looks.
Maroney is the director of New York's Gladstone art gallery, which boasts high profile clients such as Anish Kapoor, Lena Dunham's father and Matthew Barney,
The Hollywood Reporter has also confirmed the pair’s engagement. Lawrence has starred in several blockbuster films such as Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, X-Men and Mother!.
She became the second youngest winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2012 for her role in Silver Linings Playbook, based on the novel and co-starring Bradley Cooper.
Her next X-Men project Dark Phoenix will be released this coming June, where she will be reprising her role as Mystique.
She has also just launched a new production company, Excellent Cadaver in order to produce films alongside her partner Justine Polsky.
Buzz of the engagement began after the two were spotted having a dinner at the restaurant Raoul’s, with the 28-year-old actress showing off a “massive ring”.
Congratulations kids, where's our ring though? Or 7?
Many of us have the unpleasant experience under our belt of dating an absolute snake. You know the one; the eternal f*ckboi who most likely ghosts you after slithering into your heart, who can't commit to a relationship and even cheats.
He's fluent in Parseltongue and has been a core member of the Slytherin Quidditch team for years.
His best mate is Draco Malfoy, he calls him 'Malfy' for short, and goes golfing with his dad Lucius every Saturday.
He wears Taylor Swift's snake print Reputation merch, but won't listen to her empowering tunes. He makes you pay for both of you on nights out, and flirts with your mates.
He gaslights the crap out of you, and gives double-handed compliments that are disguised as compliments.
Most likely he says he wants more space, even though you barely see him, and tries to argue that your relationship is casual instead of serious, no matter what the circumstances are.
Sounds familiar? Well, we've got some hiss-worthy revenge for you, best served cold.
A competition is being run by Wild Life Sydney to name their brown snakes after a douchebag ex, and requires the entrants to say why their ex best deserves it. GENIUS.
The programme also asks participants to donate to it's conservation fund, to help Australian native wildlife by funding research and education. It's a Valentine's Day treat, if you ask us.
The zoo's general manager, Mark Connolly, said that the competition could give "someone unlucky in love … something else to celebrate on Valentine’s Day this year."
'After the show they left together in the back of a blacked-out green Range Rover and Liam was seen putting his arm around Naomi's waist,' the source continued.
Maybe they're just pals? However, we're keeping our fingers crossed for a new celebrity romance.
Emma Stone has been dating Saturday Night Live writer Dave McCary for over a year, but the pair have only just attended their first event together.
The couple posed for photos together at last nights 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and also made sure to get a snap with her Aloha co-star Bradley Cooper.
The 30-year-old actress has been doing the rounds at awards ceremonies for her role in The Favourite, and sported a custom embroidered Louis Vuitton blouse with black trousers.
McCary looked dapper as f*ck in a black tuxedo alongside his gorgeous and talented date. The 33-year-old has been a segment writer for the hit comedy show for a number of years.
The duo were first rumoured to be dating in October 2017, but the pair were only snapped on a date recently at a basketball game together.
Stone and McCary originally met in December of 2016, after Stone hosted the show and starred in the Wells for Boys sketch that McCary directed.
Page Six then reported that the pair were quietly dating for three months, since JULY 2017. They kept that pretty hush hush didn't they? Minxes.
Stone has kept a low profile in the dating scene since her last high-profile relationship ended. Andrew Garfield and Stone split back in October 2015 after more than three years of dating, after starring in Spiderman together.
The actress and Garfield were still photographed hanging out together in London in 2016, after Stone flew over to visit him. Garfield has been linked to Rita Ora since November, though neither of them have confirmed the rumours.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR. Except in the oxygen surrounding us, that seems to have gone amiss…
Rita Ora has skilfully laughed off questions about her potential romance with Spiderman star Andrew Garfield, and we tip our hats to her wily ability to dodge 'em.
A source claimed late last year that the pair are "the real deal", but we hadn't heard much else.
Ora appeared on SiriusXMHits 1 this morning, with a brave reporter 'innocently' asking; “Did you prefer Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield as Spider Man?” Nice one.
Ora knew exactly the game that was being played, and laughed it off; “You guys are really kicking. You’re making me wake up this morning. I don’t watch Spider Man. That’s my answer.”
The 28-year old singer and Garfield have reportedly been dating since October 2018, with a source telling The Sun: “Rita let slip to pals about her brewing romance about a month ago."
“But in recent days things have started to heat up and she says what they have is the real deal," the insider added.
“It is still very early days but they like each other and are seeing what happens. Their schedules make things difficult but they have a real connection," the source alleges.
Ora split from boyfriend Andrew Watt last year, and recently opened up about her boyfriend history, saying she “doesn’t have a type”.
She spoke to People about her love life; “I never know what I’m looking for. I don’t actually have a type, at all.”
Ora was also rumoured to have been connected to 2018 Love Island contestant Eyal Booker, but those rumours were dispelled by Eyal himself, despite saying he'd beg to date her.
When asked whether he'd ask her on a date, Booker joked: “Obviously I would, it’s not a thing.
With the current charged political climate of #MeToo, which is bringing issues of consent, sexual violence, abuse and harassment to light on a daily basis, it's the PERFECT time for a show like Sex Education.
Netflix' new series is already critically acclaimed with it's standout teenage characters, incredible acting talents and refreshing humour, but what's just as important is the need to face sexuality and it's trials and tribulations at a young age.
The show is tackling imperative issues and somehow manages to be laugh-out-loud funny at the same time, how does it achieve this unique, charming quality?
Sex Education follows Otis Milburn, a socially awkward but sweet-natured sixteen-year-old (Asa Butterfield) and his sex therapist mother, played by the amazing Gillian Anderson.
Otis' school life is filled with iconic characters like Eric Effiong (Ncuti Gatwa), the most GAS LGBT+ character of all time, and misunderstood punk and resident badass Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey).
Middle finger Maeve= our 2019 mood. You heard it here first:
After discovering his penchant for giving responsible and understanding sex advice, Maeve 'complex female characters' Wiley encourages Otis to set up his own teen sex clinic for some quick cash, and the results are HILARIOUS.
Among the vital topics faced with beautiful skill are abortion, transphobia, homophobia, mental health, consent, contaception, racism, sexism and toxic masculinity; we're in awe of episode three and the emotional rollercoaster of teenage life, told with humour and care.
Here are the best memes and reactions online to our new favourite binge-worthy show, PRAY FOR SEASON TWO IMMEDIATELY.
1. How pure Eric and Otis' friendship is:
Otis and Eric’s friendship on Sex Education is such a wonderful, healthy, and pure example of male friendships. There is no weird toxic masculinity bullshit or homophobia. Just pure love. pic.twitter.com/PKR3xrF8Ki
Wow #SexEducation really gave us the most layered and complex characterization of a gay teen of color!! He wasn’t there for comedy relief or for tokenism. He had his own storyline and grew into this BEAUTIFUL, FIERCE, and joy-spreading angel
Many of us know the 'symptoms' of falling in love; dry mouth, racing heartbeat, nervous sweating (hey- no judgement here) and even dizziness.
Be it love at first sight, a lustful locking of eyes across the room, fizzling sexual chemistry or even just plain HORMONES; it's a massively powerful experience.
Seeing as Valentine's Day, dread it or delight in it, is only 31 days away, we've decided to get our reading glasses on and find the science behind LURVE.
We're not the only publication carrying out extensive and important research into Cupid; scientists at the University of California have delved deeper to attempt to discover what happens to our bodies.
Apparently, that euphoric high that can occur when the flame is lit might be due to your GENES, according to Stylist.
The University of California were itching to discover how love affects the genes which control our immune systems, and took blind samples from 47 young women as they engaged in brand new relationships.
Genetic changes were monitored as the women fell in love over the course of two years with a new partner, and the scientists recently published their findings in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
According to the researchers; “Falling in love is one of the most psychologically potent experiences in human life. New romantic love is accompanied not only by psychological changes, but physiological changes as well.”
The journal claims that when the women in their sample fell in love, their genes produces interferon- a protein most commonly deployed to fight viruses within the human body.
"These findings are consistent with a selective up-regulation of innate immune responses to viral infections… and provide insight into the immuno-regulatory correlates of one of the keystone experiences in human life,” the scientists claim.
As women later fell out of love with their respective partners, their production of interferon was reduced. WHOA.
The experts assert that; “Some research suggests that psychological changes associated with romantic love may be attenuated as the relationship matures,” the experts said.
“The biological correlates of love might abate with the maturation of a longer-term more stable mate bond.”
Though the scientists don't yet know the exact reason for women producing an increase of interferon, they're pondering the idea that it may be to prepare for PREGNANCY. Whoa x2.
Researchers now believe that men's genetic response probably isn't the same as women's. Typical lads.
The 'feel good' neurotransmitter dopamine is distributed across our brains when the ventral tegmental area and caudate nucleus work in tangent with each other.
Basically, in English this means that as we become romantically involved with someone, we start craving their presence.
The craving gets deeper as we fall more deeply in love with them, hence the feeling of lovesick obsession.
Experiencing heartbreak can also affect our bodies, apparently.
No, not just bloating from all that Ben & Jerry's.Though that's a definite contributing factor…
Intense rejection activates the area of our brains that deal with physical pain, and research alleges that our bodies are literally more physically sensitive when we go through a break-up or romantic rejection.
Deciding what to do on Valentine's Day can be a major chore, especially for single ladies out there.
It can be a frustrating time of forging through millions of Facebook events, restaurant promotions specifically for two and condescending Whatsapp messages of pity from friends in relationships.
Why not break a world record while trying to find love? Something for the CV as well as a future cuddle buddy would be IDEAL, and the event raises money for two great causes as well.
An official Guinness World Record attempt will take place at the Custom House Quarter on Valentines Day 2019, and it looks absolutely unreal.
If you're single and ready to mingle, or just want to go along for the laugh (or have a competitive streak that can only be tamed by breaking records…) make sure to head to the CHQ speed dating event.
They need more than 655 attendees to beat the current record, and one of them can be you.
Maybe you're looking for a future life partner to walk down the aisle towards (seriously) or perhaps you're just bored this Valentine's Day like millions of us, round up your single friends and join the queue for a night to remember.
Tickets are €15 per person and include a drink on arrival (very much needed), snacks and entertainment on the night. If you show your ticket to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum within three months following the event, you get two-for-one entry. Second date alert?
Take home some hilarious stories, not to be told at family events, and maybe even some romance? Who knows what lies in store.
All proceeds from your tickets will be going to Movember Ireland and Breast Cancer Awareness too, so you'll feel extra wholesome after finding a match made in…well, not heaven but close enough.
Get your tickets on Eventbrite, and based on your answers when registering you will be split into categories based on orientation and age (over 18s lads) to match you with your perfect date.As perfect as basic algorithms can manage at least.
Dates per person last three minutes each, so you'll get the sparks of love or just a few snippets of nice conversation/small talk, either way it's a win-win.
Matching will be done on a little app, where you can keep track of everyone you meet throughout the night. Think socially acceptable cyber snooping, like Tinder with a tracker.
A link will be sent out to the app via email in January, and your profile can be created before the event.
The app basically acts as your wingwoman on the night; when you meet someone you can scan their QR codes and swipe right or left after the date based on if you're into them or would rather hide in a bin than ever see them once more.
If you both swipe right, you'll receive each other's contact details, and then LOVE WILL BLOSSOM. Hopefully. If you remember your phone charger.
For more information on the event where you'll find your future baby daddy, follow the link. Y'all are welcome, enjoy breaking records for a good cause.
Research has discovered that ONE IN THREE women have heard the classic excuse of the condom being "too small to use."
We're feelin' pretty smug at this news, but we thought it would be three in three, to be honest…
A study has proven that just FOUR percent of people experienced problems with the condom legitimately not being big enough to use, despite so many women hearing the excuse. LOL.
Scientists were seeking to dispel the fallacy through their testing of condom sizes with an air compressor, and found that the condoms expanded to well over the average penis size.
The NHS and King's College London have previously said that the average size is 5.16 inches long.
However, engineering firm SGS Engineering maintain that the condoms measured roughly THREE FEET LONG by one foot wide when inflated to full capacity, so it seems a lot of men are telling fibs.
A spokesperson for the engineering company who tested the barrier contraceptive said: “The condom, when inflated, would be approximately the same size as an Alsatian.”
A DOGGO. A REAL-LIFE BIG SIZED DOGGO. Let that sink in for a minute.
Researchers talked to 1,000 people in the UK to discover common attitudes to condom use, and found that only one-third of sexually active 18-24 year olds use condoms, and just 41 percent of sexually active folk across all age ranges use them. Alright then, do you want a baby/STI? Did you not see Mean Girls?
70 percent of those who were quizzed said they don't use a condom every time they have sex because they use another contraceptive method, such as the pill (24 percent of y'all are smart), withdrawal method (13 percent of y'all are stupid) and sterilisation (10 percent).
This is next level absurd; one in ten people said they didn't use condoms because of the WEIRD SMELL.
20 percent said the reason was discomfort, while 16 percent said it was because they reduced the pleasurably sensation, and 8 percent said they 'forgot'. Fools.
However, of the 70 percent of people who cited another contraception being used, one third just assumed that this was the case but there wasn't any proof. Mmmkay then.
Half of people experienced an unplanned pregnancy because they didn't use condoms. See? Sex Ed is IMPORTANT people.
Condoms are up to 98 percent effective at protecting against STIs and unwanted pregnancies, 15 percent of people in the survey said they didn't trust condoms for fear of splitting.
Only three percent if these worries are based on this happening to them previously though.
A spokeswoman for SGS Engineering, Natalie Richardson, commented on the results;
“The findings were surprising – particularly how anti-condom some men seemed to be, despite them not considering any other contraceptive methods."
“Potentially women are being told the excuse as a way of avoiding condom use because of sensation reasons. However, in most cases the risks far outweigh the benefits of ‘increased sensation’,” she added. Damn right they do.
Ian Green of sexual health service organisation Terrence Higgins Trust said that the best way to protect against STIs remains to use condoms;
“There is the right condom out there for everyone. Penises come in a whole range of different shapes and sizes – and condoms do too. For example, if you do find standard condoms too small, then you should try a king size option."
“Last year we saw big jumps in rates of both gonorrhoea and syphilis, which is why more needs to be done to promote condom use, the range of different shapes and sizes available, and the importance of regular testing," he continued.
"This is particularly true among groups most affected by STIs in this country, which includes young people, gay and bisexual men, and people from BAME (black, Asian, and minority ethnic) communities.”
The Family Planning Association, said regular sized condoms are suitable for most penis shapes and sizes.
Karen O’Sullivan, who has 30 years of experience working in sexual health wrote : “We would advise anyone who knows that regular condoms aren’t suitable for them, for whatever reason, to carry appropriate options with them so they can have safe sex."
Sexual health provider SH:24 said health providers need to move away from the “one size fits all” contraception mentality.
“When patients come into a clinic, they can often assume all condoms are the same size so we also want to see better education around choices and how to use condoms properly,“ they said.
It just goes to show, we need to massively step up when it comes to sexual health education, because myths are still circulating.
