The Ultimate Turn-Offs For Both Men And Women, From Neediness To Laziness

These may surprise you...

Everyone has a relationship dealbreaker, whether it's a bad laugh, awkward kissing techniques or a tendency to talk about themselves the whole time.

And now a series of studies has revealed the science of dealbreakers, showing that women have more than men - and exactly what they are.

The research, published together online in October in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and compiled jointly by Western Sydney University, Indiana University, the University of Florida, Singapore Management University and Rutgers University, shows that women are pickier because as we get pregnant, we must be extra-careful in choosing a mate to help us raise our children.

The study also shows that those who consider themselves a good catch have more dealbreakers, while, as you may have guessed, there are more dealbreakers at stake when considering a long rather than short-term relationship.

Despite the differences between men and women, the biggest dealbreaker for both sexes was being 'dishevelled or unclean', followed by 'lazy' and 'needy'.

The biggest turn-offs for women included being lazy, needy, bad at sex and lacking a sense of humour, while for men, the two no-nos were a low sex drive and a tendency to talk too much.

And for short-term partners, the general rule of thumb was 'anything goes' - as long as they didn't smell bad, have an STD or poor hygiene.

You've been warned.

What's your relationship dealbreaker? Let us know @marieclaireuk