Free passes are a thing. A big thing.

No, notcelebrityfree passes, which are for all those times Ryan Gosling declares his undying love for you, or Scarlett Johansson is infatuated with your boyfriend.

Free passes to cheatwith anyoneare apparently a thing.

18% of of the 1,000 men and women surveyed by OnePulse in London would willingly allow their partner to sleep with someone else.

7% would actuallysuggestit.

(Which would be welcomed by 21% of participants, who would happily use the opportunity to get their rocks off with someone else.)

This survey shows two things:

First off, it shows how important sex really is in a relationship.

‘Permission’ to cheat aside, the survey found 30% of married people would break up with their partner if they no longer wanted to sleep with that person. 42% of those in relationships (but not married) would do the same thing.

via GIPHY

Second off, the survey shows how

delusional

idealistic our minds can be.

The key here is the ‘permission’.allowing

As if, by having the discussion, and granting or receiving a free pass, we are empowered – not jealous, or selfish. We’d also probably feel self-righteous, right? Because we’re problem solving (or distracting each other) and being “open-minded” (or in denial) in order tosave the relationship.

Until of course, the night comes when you’re home alone, eating ice cream, in your pyjamas thinking of him or her out there dancing, laughing, flirting, doingwhateverthey can to use that free pass… Then I’m not sure if the ’empowerment’ would feel so liberating, or how good you’d feel about doingwhat you needed to doto save the relationship.

But I could be wrong. Maybe you’d also be out, and doing whateveryoucan to use that free pass as well.

via GIPHY

IS THIS REAL LIFE!?

Wouldn’t it be nicer if it wasn’t necessary? And you could do all that dancing, laughing, flirting and sex with the person you are committed to? No passes needed (unless it’s for Gosling, of course!)

Watch next:We confess, the piece of advice we’re ashamed to have given.