If your day isn’t shaping up to be a passionate love-fest, you could put it down to the fact that Britain appears to be less a nation of hopeless romantics than one of useless partners.
Millions expect to be disappointed by their other half’s attempts at romance today, with 38 per cent faking their delight with gifts and gestures and 44 per cent claiming the occasion is a washout.
Some 32 per cent said their partner’s attempts to make a home-cooked Valentine’s Day meal had ‘left them feeling let down,’ a survey of 2,000 people revealed.
The poll also found that one in five would rather spend the occasion with friends than their other half.
Another 20 per cent have pretended to like a partner’s restaurant choice to avoid hurting their feelings, according to the Censuswide poll for Burger King. Experts say the added pressure for couples on Valentine’s Day can magnify disappointment when gestures don’t meet expectations.
Jennifer Theiss, a professor of communication at Rutgers University in the US, said: ‘Couples should try to be direct and explicit about their expectations. Disappointment and dissatisfaction are likely to arise when a partner doesn’t live up to unspoken expectations.
‘People place different levels of meaning and importance on the holiday, so a partner may not realise how significant Valentine’s Day is unless that is clearly communicated.
‘Some people worry that it feels less romantic or genuine to talk openly about expectations, but these conversations can reduce stress, hurt and conflict.’
A poll has found 38 per cent of people fake their delight with romantic gifts and gestures, while 44 per cent claim Valentine’s Day is a washout
Experts have said the added pressure for couples on Valentine’s Day can magnify disappointment when gestures don’t meet expectations
She added: ‘When affection and appreciation are part of everyday communication, the pressure surrounding a single holiday tends to diminish.’
A separate study has found that Valentine’s Day spending in Britain is expected to rise 12 per cent to £1.6billion this year.
The poll of 1,000 shoppers by the marketing agency Savvy found 42 per cent will celebrate the occasion, with 77 per cent of them choosing to stay in with their partner.
But in a clue as to why some may be left disappointed, 68 per cent will look for discounts or offers on food or drink, prioritising value over luxury.
Saint Valentine’s Day was marked from the early Middle Ages to honour the third-century Roman saint, but evolved into a celebration of romance and love and was commercialised in the 19th century.