The early days of a relationship can be summed up with day long dates, strings of texts and general lack of separation. You’re in total lust and everything your other half says tends to be hilarious and somehow the most interesting thing uttered ever. Don’t judge us – everyone goes through the love bug. Now the latest study shows that if you want that relationship to last, (and be mutually satisfying), you need to start planning a few more nights out with the girls. Analysing over 1,000 UK adults, a study by TeamSport found that newer couples spend far too much time together – spending on average just three nights a month with their friends. Dating experts now recommend that couples start taking some time apart, saying that nights out with friends is ‘crucial’ to a happy relationship. As well as giving your other half a chance to miss you, psychologist Hilda Burke adds that it’s important a partner is given the chance to express themselves and their interests as an independent person. Speaking to Marie Claire, Hilda Burke explains: '“No relationship is perfect, but in order to grow and develop as individuals it’s crucial that we respect our partners friendships and individual interests. “Often many people’s happiness relies solely on their partner too, which isn’t healthy. Depending on another person to fulfil all of our needs can often mean setting ourselves up to feel disappointed and resentful. “Besides,a person’s independence and the fact that they have different tastes and interests is often what attracted us to our partners them in the first place.” Only one in ten people said they'd like to spend more time with their friends - while another 10% said they feel more tense and frustrated when they don't spend enough time alone. So how can you strike the perfect balance? Burke suggests having a designated ‘friends’ night, or planning social events to catch up with a group or hobby once a week. Besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder – so you’re just building a more solid foundation for that relationship downtime. H/T Marie Claire