Faithful or Traitor? Centra Survey sets out the Scene

New research from Centra reveals 78% of Irish singles check out a potential date on social media, kindness to staff is the ultimate green flag and almost one third consider ‘watching ahead’ without them a relationship betrayal

• More than three quarters (78%) admit to checking a potential date’s social media before agreeing to meet
• Ghosting crowned the ultimate “Traitor” behaviour in modern dating
• Almost 1 in 3 say watching the next episode of a favourite show without them is a relationship betrayal
• Centra is the Official Food Sponsor of The Traitors Ireland on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
• Limited-edition The Traitors Ireland Treat Boxes will land in Centra stores during the final week of this year’s series

Forget flowers and grand romantic gestures. If you want to win over an Irish singleton in 2026, be nice to the staff, send a text when you get home – and whatever you do, don’t watch the next episode without them.

New research among members of Irish singles community Your Friend, My Friend, commissioned by Centra as Official Food Sponsor of The Traitors Ireland, reveals that when it comes to modern romance, loyalty matters long before a relationship becomes official.

And throughout The Traitors Ireland, Centra will bring its role as Official Food Sponsor to life with competitions across its social channels, offers in store and limited-edition The Traitors Ireland Treat Boxes landing in stores during the final week of this year’s series.

‘Pre-dating’ is officially part of the date-one ritual

Before a first date has even begun, the detective work may already be well underway. More than three quarters (78%) admit they have “pre-dated” – checking someone’s Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn before agreeing to a date including one third who admit they always do it.

And getting together doesn’t necessarily mean immediately going public. Three months was the most popular time to wait before posting a new partner on social media (28%), while a sizeable 21% say they would never post their other half at all.

Kindness wins, splitting the bill doesn’t

When it comes to first-date green flags, how you treat other people appears to matter far more than who picks up the cheque. Being kind to staff was the number one green flag, chosen by 36% of respondents, followed by making their date laugh (27%) and staying off their phone (25%).

By contrast, just 4% chose offering to split the bill as the biggest green flag. And sometimes the smallest gesture says the most: 61% believe someone who always texts to check in after a date is the strongest sign that they’re “relationship material”.

Ghosting is the ultimate Traitor behaviour

Ghosting was named the biggest “Traitor” behaviour in modern dating (35%), closely followed by breadcrumbing (30%), where someone gives just enough attention to keep another person interested without intending to pursue the relationship.

And when asked what would make them lose trust in someone first, 36% pointed to cancelling plans at the last minute, ahead of hiding their phone (29%) and still having dating apps installed (26%).

Perhaps reassuringly, most respondents believe they would make it through a Faithful line-up: 78% described themselves as Faithful once they like someone. But there may still be a few cloaks hidden in the wardrobe, with others admitting to being “Faithful-ish”, having Traitor tendencies or simply pleading the Fifth.

The betrayal that hits close to home

Not every relationship betrayal requires a secret rendezvous. When asked to name the biggest betrayal among a selection of everyday behaviours, 44% chose someone reading messages over their shoulder, 32% said watching the next episode of a favourite show without them, while 15% feel betrayed when their partner eats all the good Centra snacks just after they’ve done the shop.

What’s fuelling the Faithfuls and Traitors?

Away from the Round Table, Centra is keeping contestants fuelled throughout their time at Slane Castle, with Centra Salted Popcorn, Inspired Cheddar & Shallot Crisps, Centra Wine Gums and Inspired cold-pressed ginger and turmeric shots have also proved a particular favourite behind the scenes.

And when the game calls for something a little more dramatic, Centra steps things up for the banquet with a spread featuring smoked salmon, brie and red cheddar, Spanish charcuterie, Italian meats and fresh fruit, accompanied by Resolution Bay and Don Simon Tempranillo from Wines We Love, Centra’s exclusive wine range.

Heather Murphy, Centra Retail Marketing Manager, says:

“Loyalty can be a serious business on The Traitors Ireland, and it turns out Irish singles have equally strong opinions about what it means in real life. From the importance of that text after a date to the unforgivable act of watching ahead on your favourite show, the results give us a really fun snapshot of the new rules of loyalty in Ireland.

“As Official Food Sponsor of The Traitors Ireland, Centra is there for so many of the moments that make the show such compelling viewing, from the tension over breakfast to the snacks that fuel the plotting and the drama of the banquet table.

“We’re delighted to be keeping contestants fuelled throughout the series, while also giving viewers plenty of inspiration for their own Traitors night in. And through My Centra, we’re celebrating loyalty away from the castle too, because while loyalty can sometimes be complicated, with My Centra, we believe loyalty should love you back.”

Loyalty That Loves You Back

Built around the idea of Loyalty That Loves You Back, My Centra gives customers access to value and rewards designed around the things they already love at Centra, including My Centra Prices, exclusive bundles and the Frank & Honest Coffee Collector. So, whether you’re looking for someone Faithful, trying to avoid the Traitors or simply after a little more from your everyday loyalty, download the My Centra app and discover loyalty that loves you back.

As Official Food Sponsor of The Traitors Ireland on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, Centra keeps contestants fuelled throughout their time at Slane Castle, with food and drink woven into daily life in the castle, from breakfast gatherings to the conversations, alliances and drama that unfold in its communal spaces.

*Research conducted among the Your Friend, My Friend database of 2,300 singletons across Ireland.

Pictured are Oyin Adeyemi, The Traitors Ireland Season 1 winner, and Padraig Wilson McCarthy, Centra’s The Traitors Ireland correspondent, to celebrate Centra being the Official Food Sponsor of The Traitors Ireland, airing on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. Featured across key moments on screen, Centra’s food and drink offering is woven into daily life within the castle, from breakfast gatherings to the conversations, alliances and drama that unfold in the communal spaces.