A 2019 survey conducted by OnePoll for MailOnline explored relationship dynamics among women in the United Kingdom. The poll included around 1,000 women who were either married or in long-term relationships.

According to the results, about half of the respondents said they had a “backup partner” in mind. This person was often a long-time friend, an ex-partner, or a colleague who had previously shown romantic interest.

Researchers described this as an emotional safety net—someone they believed could be a potential partner if their current relationship ended. While it doesn’t necessarily mean people plan to leave their partners, it highlights how some individuals think about security and future possibilities in relationships.