Pets Get More Love Than All Except Our Partners

Affection can be displayed in various forms, from a warm hug to a sincere text message, and we all have those friends or loved ones who express their feelings more readily than others. But have you ever considered how expressions of affection might differ across various geographic regions?

We surveyed 2,335 individuals from across the United States to uncover which state is the most affectionate. Alongside this, we discovered intriguing insights into how people express their love and which individuals—and even animals—are most often on the receiving end of that affection.

Key Findings

• Kansas is the #1 most affectionate state in the U.S.
• 61% of people express their love over the phone and through text messages more than in-person.
• More than 2 in 5 people sometimes say “I love you” without actually meaning it.
• People are more affectionate to their pets than everyone except their partner.

The most and least affectionate states

Our research reveals that “the heartland” truly lives up to its name. A majority of the top ten most affectionate states in the U.S. are nestled in the central region, highlighting the warmth and friendliness that characterize this part of the country.

Kansas led the way with an impressive 79% in our affection rankings, closely followed by other Midwestern states: Michigan at 78%, Indiana at 74%, Nebraska at 73%, and Oklahoma at 72%. Nearby states also scored well, with Kentucky at 75%, West Virginia at 74%, Pennsylvania at 72%, and Colorado at 72%. Notably, North Carolina was the only coastal state to crack the top ten, also achieving a score of 72%.

Interestingly, every state on our list of least-affectionate places is located along an ocean or a Great Lake. Illinois ranks as the least affectionate, with only 53% of residents expressing warmth, while Massachusetts (55%), Oregon (56%), and New Hampshire (57%) are not far behind.

Surprisingly, warmth doesn’t always translate to warmth in relationships, as shown by two sunny states that rank among the least affectionate: Hawaii at 57% and Florida at 59%. Sharing the bottom tier are Ohio, Maine, New York, and Maryland, each with a modest 60% in affection.

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Who do Americans show the most affection to?

In the United States, a remarkable 66% of people express their affection through kind words every day. While many find it easy to show love in person, others struggle to articulate their feelings when face to face. This highlights the diverse ways individuals connect emotionally.

When exploring alternative ways to express love, a recent survey revealed that 45% of participants favored phone calls, making it the most popular choice. In contrast, 35% opted for heartfelt cards or letters, while only 20% preferred the convenience of text messages.

When it comes to expressing love, a striking 95% of us regularly show affection to our partners. Pets surprisingly take the second spot, with 64% of people sharing their love with them, far surpassing the affection given to mothers at 46%, friends at 35%, and siblings at 27%.

Surprisingly, dads often receive the least affection from us, with only 25% of people regularly expressing loving words to their fathers. This trend seems mutual, as fathers are five times less likely to say “I love you” compared to mothers.

An impressive 62% of individuals express their love to someone every day, highlighting the importance of verbal affirmation in relationships. Interestingly, over half—55%—of people long for their partner to say “I love you” regularly. However, this desire comes with a challenge, as the same percentage (55%) struggles to articulate their feelings. Alarmingly, 42% of people confess to uttering “I love you” without genuinely feeling it.

Affection toward people versus pets

Beyond our partners, pets receive the most love and attention in our lives. Friends and family simply can’t compete with the warmth of our furry friends. In fact, a remarkable 54% of pet owners admit to showering their pets with more affection than they do toward other people!

Michigan (87%), Kansas (76%), and Colorado (72%) stand out for their affectionate nature, earning spots on both our rankings of the most loving states toward pets and the most affectionate states overall. These states clearly have a big heart!

New Hampshire (77%) and New York (69%) appear to have a special bond with their pets, ranking high in pet affection while scoring lower in overall warmth towards people. Similarly, Arizona (78%), Utah (77%), and Texas (72%) showcase a strong love for their furry companions, highlighting a trend where some states prioritize their relationships with animals over human connections.

Which states are the least affectionate towards their pets? Maryland tops the list, with only 46% of pet owners expressing affection, making it one of the least affectionate states overall. Interestingly, Pennsylvania follows closely at 56%. While it is known for its “brotherly love,” this state surprisingly ranks low in pet affection despite being recognized as one of the more affectionate states overall.

The states that show the least affection for their pets vary widely, ranging from Mississippi, where only 47% of pet owners express strong affection, to Wisconsin at 54%, and Virginia at 57%.

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Conclusion

Love and affection transcend cultural boundaries, manifesting through both words and actions. Various cultures have unique ways of expressing these emotions, influencing how they are conveyed to different individuals.

Expressing affection can be challenging, particularly when it involves a different language. If you want to show your loved one how much they mean to you but feel uncertain about using their language, LingualNeeds offers online tutoring to help you discover the perfect words.

Methodology: We conducted a survey involving 2,335 participants from various states across the U.S. However, we excluded the following states from our analysis due to insufficient response rates: Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming.