Couples don’t start to have affectations (4)
I believe the answer is:
airs
'affectations' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for airs that I've seen before include "Ventilates, say grievance" , "Broadcasts" , "Pretentiousness" , "feelings" , "Haughty affectation" .)