Are there opportunities for relationships in the gay community? Yes. Some 83% of gay men and women do not hesitate to agree on this one.

Your special one is out there, somewhere, particularly if you live in Wales (90% of women think so) or in the East Midlands (according to 89% of men). And hope is not confined to the young. The highest percentage (91%) of women who think the community is where to find a partner are in their 60s. And 77% of men in their 70s agree. What a marvellous lesson in optimism for all those bitter cynics out there.

So you find each other and you love each other. How long is it going to last? Forever? You wish. Gay relationships — like marriages — don’t always last. Most don’t run longer than five years (60%) and a staggering 20% will finish before it is time to buy the first anniversary card. But even if more lesbians are in a relationship, the man-to-man ones last longer.

There is some good news. Your parents will accept a same sex partner, a fact the figures spell out very clearly. Some 48% of mums and dads relate well to a same sex partner and only for 3.5% is this a definite don't. This acceptance would seem to stem from a higher visibility in the media. Parents seem more accepting of lesbian companions, especially if you are in your 30s (63%) and happen to live in eastern England (66%) or in the East Midlands (61%). The best chances for a male couple are in Yorkshire and Humberside when you are in your 40s (50%).

But, even if Britain is becoming a more accepting society, the fear of rejection is still there. A significant 15% have not introduced their partner to their parents and 30% ticked the 'not applicable' box when asked how do your parents relate to your same sex partner. For older couples, maybe parental approval is not such an issue but it may be a significant factor for those younger lesbians and gay men who won’t even consider it. It could be that they are not ready to say 'I have a same sex partner', or just because that special one is still out there, waiting.