Attitudes to Valentine's Day
Today, a MORI survey commissioned by DealTime.co.uk, a leading comparative shopping portal, has shown what British adults really think about Valentine's Day and has uncovered some startling results about how little couples actually know each other!
Shocking results show that over 1 in 8 British adults (6 million) have argued with their partner on Valentine's Day. This figure rises to 23% (almost a million) amongst those not married but living together. 12% (2.7 million) of married adults have argued on Valentine's Day, but it is hardly surprising if you look into the differences between what people want and what they are going to get!
Men are from Venus...
The most popular gift adults in Britain would like to receive is a weekend breakaway, requested by 30%. There may be trouble ahead though as only 9% of men are planning to surprise their loved ones by whisking them away for a romantic rendezvous. Face up to it girls! The chances are stacked for a measly bunch of flowers with 42% of men planning on playing it safe (and cheap) this year by giving flowers!
Men also like the sound of a change of scenery with 29% of them citing a romantic break as the prezzie they would like to be given. They have even less hope than the girls though with only 5% of women planning this surprise. Women are more likely to give aftershave (11%) or chocolates (8%).
Guilt or surprise...?
When asked whether they would consider buying a present on the Internet to remain anonymous, 30% of those with Internet access said they would. 1 in 3 men (33%) said they would consider sending an on-line gift anonymously, compared to a quarter of women (25%).
Men are going to make the biggest effort this year though with 77% planning on buying gifts or cards for their loved ones. Women seem to be less interested in their partners demands though with only 3 in 5 (65%) planning on buying a present or a card.
"The clear message here is that if you don't know what your partner wants, talk to your loved one before going out and buying a present," says Ehud Furman, managing director, DealTime UK. "If customers are feeling uninspired then we provide them with a gift finder that will help find the ideal present for their partners and avoid arguments - or divorce!"
What's on your mind?
When asked about the biggest drawbacks of Valentine's Day, 25% of men cited not knowing what to buy for their partner as the biggest problem. Amongst single people, 1 in 6 (16%) were concerned about being sent a Valentine's Card by their Mum and Dad. They are definitely not the only ones though, 1 in 8 (13%) of adults who are married or living together also cited this as a problem.
Married women (14%) are almost twice as likely as married men (8%) to worry about not receiving any Valentine's cards. That said, women seem to be less bothered on the whole about Valentine's Day. 32% of women are not going to give any presents or cards but only 12% do not want to receive anything. On the other hand 21% of men are not going to give anything and 19% do not want to get any presents or cards. Women are clearly better at receiving than giving!
Not all bad news...
It seems there is a small amount of romance left in us though 1.3 million adults (3%) in Britain have been proposed to or proposed on Valentine's Day and nearly a million adults (2%) have said "I love you" for the first time!
Methodology
MORI Omnibus. A nationally representative sample of 2,142 British adults aged 15+ were interviewed face-to-face between 18-22 January 2001. Results are weighted to reflect national population profile.
