We’ve all struggled at one time or another to find presents for loved ones around birthdays, anniversaries and at Christmas but it seems that when Valentine’s Day comes around, nearly 50 per cent of respondents in a Toluna Quick survey of 1000 men and 1000 women (aged 18-55) feel pressured into taking part in celebrations and finding the perfect gifts.
61 per cent of those who feel pressure cite the expectations of their partner as the main reason but around 25 per cent also feel pressure due to the expectations of both their partner’s friends, colleagues and family and their own. Interestingly, more men feel pressure from their partners compared to women who feel more pressure from their own friends.
More men than women have sent themselves a Valentine’s gift or card – but only just! 12.2 per cent of men admit to treating themselves to an ego-boosting gift compared to 11.3 per cent of women.
Another interesting finding of the survey was the amount of people who have spent a romantic Valentine’s Day with someone other than their partners at the time. 18 per cent of men and 14.4 per cent of women admit to doing so.
And finally, we asked what people are planning to do and buy this Valentine’s Day. A large 32 per cent say they will be doing nothing at all but for the rest of us it seems that flowers, chocolates, dinner at a restaurant or made together at home are the order of the day. Some might be disappointed to learn that only 25 per cent of respondents plan to have sex this Valentine’s Day.
For more survey answers and a full breakdown of demographics view the report here.