The relationship habit most people hate is actually good for your dating life

Clocking onto a couple's weird quirks isn't usually nice for anyone involved - the lovebirds are left blushing within an inch of their life and you're wondering how you can wipe what you just saw from your memory.

It's probably even more nauseating if you see it when you're single.

They probably don't come with this disclaimer, but what other explanation is there for the antics of a lot of fully grown adults when they are in love?

It's certainly the only justification I can think for couples engaging in 'baby talk' in public.

You know the sort - it's less goo goo ga ga and more just straight up gag-worthy.

One's squealing in a high-pitched voice, the other one sounds like they're talking in broken biscuits as they try and replicate an infant's slim vocabulary...and you're stood there thinking you might have stepped into the twilight zone.

It can be quite the bonkers experience, to put it bluntly.

But it turns out that couples who use baby talk actually might be serious relationship goals...to some people.

Baby talk might be beneficial to relationships, according to experts (Getty stock images)

Dr. Kathryn Smerling explained that a person might gain feelings of security, comfort and relaxation from their partner when engaging in a childish chat, as both parties are being vulnerable with each other.

Speaking to NBC in 2018, the New York-based family therapist said: "Some people might refer to it as couple speak, but the more common clinical term is known as regression, or 'infant-directed speech'.

"In psychoanalytic theory, individuals revert their behaviour to an earlier stage of development, and they may mimic childish mannerisms as well as speech.

"It is actually very common and most couples resort to it when they want to either display vulnerability or as a way to get closer in a very intimate manner."

Talking like children together apparently shows you are both willing to be vulnerable with one another (Getty stock images)

If you are the one bringing the baby talk to the table in your relationship, another expert believes that your partner may 'mirror' your behaviour in a bid to establish a sense of closeness with you.

Comparing it to a 'secret language', communication sciences and disorders researcher Anna Walker said that this private and personal dialogue is actually a key factor when it comes to a stable, happy relationship.

She added: "The use of 'idiosyncratic', or personalised, communication is an important aspect of close friendships and romantic relationships.

"A bystander listening in might be flummoxed.

"But to the couple, it’s a sign of their bond - a boundary that sets them apart from everyone else."

Whether you think it's cute or cringey, it seems that talking like babies might be the boost that some relationships need to last for the long haul.

Topics: Sex and Relationships, Weird, Dating trends

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_