Costa
Written: Thursday, March 4, 2010OH BOY
Every mother's worst fear was confirmed yesterday (Wed) when a study found a son's loyalty lies with his partner - and not his mum.
Research revealed that while men's lives revolve around their mother in their early years things change dramatically when they escape from behind the apron strings.
Being in a long-term relationship or moving in with a woman alters a man's perspective and ends the days of 'mum comes first'.
Even worst news for the nation's mums is that for many men their best friend features higher on the loyalty list than they do.
And unfortunately for the average man, the feeling isn't mutual, as the study also revealed girls are more likely to put their best friend above their other half.
George Gee, spokesman for Costa, who carried out the study, said: ''Most mums dread the day when they are no longer needed by their little boys, but will except that it is going to happen at some point.
''But to find out their sons are more likely to be loyal to their partner than them is going to make them worry even more.
''So it's interesting to see that women aren't as likely to think of their partner so highly, putting their best friend before him.''
The poll of 3,000 Brits also revealed guys place their dad and siblings in the top five with their favourite football team sixth on the loyalty list.
Patriotic blokes voted their country in at number seven while their work colleagues are at eight. Pets and favourite brands took ninth and tenth place.
On the girls list mum was third followed by dad, brothers and sisters.
Animal-loving females voted their pets into sixth place, followed by their co-workers and the country they live in.
Loyal girls even named their boss as part of their top ten, with their best-loved brands also featuring.
However, the study also found women are more loyal than men, with 71 per cent of girls saying they consider themselves to be a loyal person, compared to just 67 per cent of guys.
And half of all Brits reckon they are more loyal than they were five years ago, with the majority putting this down to lessons they have learnt during their lives.
Researchers also discovered that infidelity is considered the biggest act of disloyalty by half of Brits, followed by being lied to, or spoken about behind their backs.
But it's not just relationships where Brits feel loyal as 15 per cent of people feel guilt-ridden if they drink a coffee not from their usual brand or shop.
And one in five feel guilty if they don't do their shopping in their usual store.
Top ten things men are most loyal to:
1. Girlfriend/Wife
2. Best friend
3. Mum
4. Dad
5. Brothers/sisters
6. Favourite football/sports team
7. Your country
8. Work colleagues
9. Pets
10. Favourite brands
Top ten things women are most loyal to:
1. Best friend
2. Husband/boyfriend
3. Mum
4. Dad
5. Brothers/sisters
6. Pets
7. Work colleagues
8. Your country
9. Boss
10. Favourite brands
