A new study has laid bare the number of past sexual partners that Britons across different generations find acceptable in a long-term partner, revealing surprising generational divides and a lingering societal obsession with 'body counts'.
The Stigma That Refuses to Fade
Despite the fact that a person's sexual history has no bearing on their character or capacity for commitment, society remains curiously fixated on the tally. This stigma, which dates back centuries and was even referenced in biblical times, persists in modern discourse, promoted by figures like Andrew Tate. According to research commissioned by Lovehoney in January 2026, 29% of British adults admit that a potential partner's 'body count' matters to them when considering a long-term relationship.
The survey found a slight gender divergence in these concerns. 27% of women stated they preferred a partner with a 'low' number, compared to 22% of men. On a positive note, the overwhelming majority—69%—said they do not care at all about a partner's sexual history.
Generational Breakdown: From Free Love to Digital Dating
The research provided a detailed look at how tolerance levels shift dramatically with age.
Ages 65+: The Most Liberal (3-5 partners)
The over-65s are the most relaxed generation, with a huge 84% stating body count does not matter. Sex and relationship expert Annabelle Knight suggests this liberal attitude stems from this group's sexual awakening during the 1960s and 1970s Free Love movement and the introduction of the contraceptive pill. For the minority who do have a preference, the ideal number is a modest three to five partners.
Ages 55-64: A Slightly Higher Tolerance (5-10 partners)
Only 15% in this bracket consider past partners important, but those who do are more generous, citing five to ten as the acceptable range.
Ages 35-54: The Cautious Middle (3-10 partners)
This group, likely focused on stability and raising families, shows the widest acceptable range of three to ten partners. "They appear to be the most cautious," notes Annabelle Knight, explaining that for many, dating is about "futureproofing" rather than thrill-seeking, leading some to see body count as an imperfect gauge of compatibility.
Ages 25-34: Surprisingly Conservative (3-5 partners)
Millennials and older Gen Z respondents proved less open-minded, with only 23% claiming not to care. Their preferred number was low, at three to five. Knight attributes this to a hyper-online dating culture where everything is measured and judged, and a childhood influenced by both conservative Boomer parents and sex-positive media, creating internalised conflict.
Ages 18-24: The Least Forgiving (3-5 partners)
In a striking finding, Gen Z emerged as the generation most concerned with body count, with 42% of 18-24 year olds saying it matters. Their acceptable number is also just three to five partners. Knight observes a tension in this group between stated ideals and acceptance, suggesting a move towards emotional openness even as traditional views on sexual history linger.
Expert Advice: Looking Beyond the Number
Annabelle Knight strongly advises against placing value on sexual history. "The number of past partners doesn't predict how you'll behave in a relationship," she states. What truly matters are current factors like emotional availability, communication, and respect.
She recommends introspection if you feel compelled to ask about a partner's past, questioning whether it stems from insecurity or genuine curiosity. If you are asked, remember that feeling shame is common but unfounded. "A respectful partner will value how you feel about the question, not just the final answer," Knight concludes.
