For Some Washingtonians, Love of the Seahawks Rivals Your Spouse

In the quiet hours before dawn, when the world still holds its breath, love arrives, not always in the shape of another person, but in the stubborn loyalties that anchor your life. A recent poll of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll for Matalan, finds that the average adult has four true loves, and romance occupies only one narrow place among them.

Who do men value and love? Who do women value and love?

At the head of the list (for both genders) stands the partner, steadfast as a Rainier cherry tree. Below come children, whose laughter carves permanent rooms in the heart, and dogs—those wordless saints who greet every homecoming as if it were the first. Best friends follow, then siblings, then, for nearly a third of Washington men, their favorite football team (Seahawks, Cougars, or Huskies), whose colors they wear like a second skin.

Getty Images

Women, meanwhile, more often name their closest confidante (as Gen Z would call their "Bestie") as a soulmate, a bond forged in shared secrets and late-night comfort.

What are some of the more odd things we love and hold dear?

Yet the poll uncovers stranger devotions: a particular book whose pages feel like home, the ritual of tea or coffee that steadies the day, even an ex-partner who lingers like a half-remembered song. Holiday destinations, like a trip to the Oregon Coast, or a summer week at Priest Lake. Your beloved cuddly house cats, your favorite chocolate, even your reliable cars, or your beloved city you live in—each makes the top ranks.

Cannon Beach, Oregon via Getty Images

Valentine’s Day itself has splintered into many celebrations.

Slightly more than half (57%) of respondents will spend February 14th with a partner, but 36% of millennials choose their children, while 1 in 5 Gen Zers plans Galentine’s with friends. The youngest among us rank bands, movies, or streamed shows, even their own beds, higher than older generations do.

For 46%, the meaning of love has shifted with age; for 81 percent, infatuation remains possible at any hour. Forty-five percent say multiple true loves make existence richer, though 31 percent admit these passions have sparked a household squabble—perhaps over dinner or a teasing “work wife.”

Canva

As Matalan’s report shows, for Washingtonians, February 14th no longer belongs solely to romance. Settle in with your favorite novel and a steaming mug, gather the girls for a meal, cheer your team through the rain. Love, in its truest form, is plural, stubborn, and often silent. Celebrate it all—without apology.

Get our free mobile app

THE NATION’S TOP 15 TRUE LOVES:

Partner
Child
Dog
Best friend
Sibling
Football team
A home
Cat
Holiday destination
An ex-partner
Chocolate
Car
A book
A city/town
Coffee/Tea

The Most Religious Counties in Washington State

Census data shows Washington is one of the least religious states, but it’s not that simple—some folks aren’t religious at all, while others are very religious. It all just depends on which county you're in.

Gallery Credit: Reesha Cosby

The 5 Most Commonly Misspelled Town Names in Washington State

Check out these five hilariously misspelled town names from the state of Washington. See if you can guess which one is often mistaken for a profanity!

Gallery Credit: Rik Mikals