Amidst the barrage of chocolate roses, cuddly teddies and social media hype, you’ve probably noticed that it’s that time of year again. Valentine’s Day soon creeps round in the New Year, and for those of us who are still single, it’s yet another reminder. But when you’re dating or in a relationship on Valentine’s Day, let’s not pretend that you don’t expect to be wined and dined, or at least receive a card or flowers.
We wanted to get your take on February the 14th, to find out if this global institution is a day of romance or an overrated tradition. FreeAndSingle asked our readers 3 questions, with interesting (and even shocking!) results. Here’s what our respondents had to say when asked for their honest views on Valentine’s Day.
Which statement best sums up your thoughts on Valentine’s Day?
We started by asking our participants whether they were lovers or haters of February the 14th:
Opinion was fairly mixed, but the sceptics certainly shone through in our survey. Only 7% of voters were loved up with the concept of Valentine’s Day, with 36% slating it as ‘a load of commercial crap’. Or, to put it in slightly less damning terms, ‘romance shouldn’t be reserved for one day of the year.’ True, we shouldn’t save all the roses, chocolates, attention and compliments in the world for one day, but why does everyone seem so anti-romance? We think we know the answer…
36% of our respondents felt that February the 14th is great – if you have someone to celebrate with that is. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than sitting at home alone knowing full well that every restaurant in town is packed with loved-up couples. Yet when there’s someone special on the scene, you’d have to be pretty hardened not to share the love with him or her on Valentine’s Day. Commercial this date in the diary may be, but when you’re in the couples club celebrations are surely going to be in order.
That said, the majority of our respondents weren’t entirely against going with the flow on the day of romance, as the next question showed. We gave our singletons two scenarios to choose from:
Slate it as they may, most people would rather spend Valentine’s Day with someone, anyone, than spend it alone. So when asked whether they would rather spend February the 14th at home with a microwave meal for one or on a first date with a stranger, a whopping 85% of our respondents chose the latter. If you can’t beat them, join them, which suggests that people only hate this romantic tradition because they haven’t got someone to share it with.
Perhaps that’s why online dating numbers surge in the run up to Valentine’s Day. Even if you think it’s commercialised, that won’t stop you feeling lonely as couples rub their sickly romance in your face on Facebook. Besides, who doesn’t like to feel loved?
Our free online dating numbers have grown by more than 30% since Boxing Day, and with members all over the world, we’ve helped plenty of singles find someone to spend February the 14th with. They may not be your future spouse or soul mate, but it beats spending Saturday night alone, right? But with the opportunity to find people who match your personality down to a T, you might just find a keeper when you join online dating.
Finally, we wanted to get the goss on what our respondents have done in Valentine’s Days gone by, and you may be surprised at the results!
On February the 14th, have you ever (tick all that apply):
Thankfully, it seems that we’re all monogamists – or at least on Valentine’s Day – as none of our respondents have ever shared the love with more than one person on February the 14th. And we have ample reason to believe them, since our respondents were happy enough to admit having sex with a stranger on this day of romance, with 31% admitting to hooking up with someone new on the occasion. With Valentine’s falling on a Saturday night this year, we can only imagine that this percentage will increase!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to confess your feelings, even if you daren’t reveal your identity to that special someone. Yet whilst over half of our participants had received a secret admirer card at some point over the years, less than a quarter have actually sent one of them back. So who on earth is responsible for all of these declarations of love?
There are countless reasons why people hold back from confessing their crush – perhaps it’s a close friend, maybe you don’t want to make things awkward at work, or often that person is already spoken for. If you’re never going to work up the courage to admit your admiration, get online and find someone who is single and ready to mingle instead!
A final mention should go to the people who have either stood someone up, or been the victim of the former, on Valentine’s Day. For the 8% of you who waited at the restaurant before realising their date was never going to show, we hope you’ve finally found someone worth your time! As for the 8% who did the no show, we hope you’ve found someone worth turning up for this Valentine’s Day! Although we hope you had a good excuse the last time…
Summing Up
Looking at the results, it seems that Valentine’s Day is just the occasion we love to hate. We might think we’re immune to this commercial tradition, but when push comes to shove we’re all secretly craving a little attention. Even if it comes from someone you haven’t met before! If you haven’t got a date on the cards for VD 2015, sign up to free dating today, to start flirting with local singles who are looking for love.
Thanks to all those who took part in our survey, and to our new members who have chosen to join our free online dating community over the past few weeks. If you haven’t signed up yet, why not give it a go? You never know who you might meet.
Photo Credit: EI.IE Photography