Gentlemen put your money and grand gestures away because today’s self
sufficient, modern woman is looking for a new style of romance,
according to a study by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers of Switzerland.
An overwhelming 76% of men and women in their survey said that it was the small,
thoughtful presents where money wasn’t a factor that really melted
their hearts. These Valentine’s Day top treats for men and women included a
romantic meal, cards with thoughtful messages and spending quality time
together.
After years of conspicuous consumption and grand over the top romance, a
much lower key, more modern style of love – one that is increasingly
focused on small, considerate actions rather than the traditional or the
costly – seems to have taken hold as the economy shifts down a gear.
Identified as “New Romantics: in the survey, these modern women have
nothing to do with the 1980s music scene and everything to do with a new
trend towards credit crunch love.
In fact the study – which will make welcome reading to both men and
women alike – found that 31% of modern women were suspicious of an
over the top or excessively grand romantic gesture and would prefer a box
of their favorite chocolate instead.
Relationship expert, Sam van Rood, believes this is because love and
romance is getting back to basics after the credit crunch:
“This February 14th a budget Valentine’s will win you more romantic brownie
points than splashing out on expensive presents. Thoughtful, simple gifts
are all you need to show your partner you love them. Gold diggers aside,
the majority of women look for equality in a relationship which results in
a more considerate form of romance where it’s the thought that counts.
Popular gestures that women all over the world love are small but beautiful
gifts which include running a bath for a partner surprising her with a
babysitter for some me (or us)-time or simply buying her favorite organic
chocolate – actions which revealed both consideration and an appreciation
of the other partner’s individual needs and wants.”
The Master Chocolatier for Lindt commented: “The results from the study
hopefully help to de-mystify modern attitudes to romance and alleviate some
of the pressure today’s couples face to keep romance going without running
up huge costs. Our report revealed that small, considerate gestures are
“in” for 2009, and keeping the romance alive can really be as simple as
offering her favorite chocolate.”
WHAT’S HOT FOR VALENTINE’S 2009:
Small gestures
A head or foot massage
A handwritten note
Running a bath for your partner
Holding hands
Cooking dinner together
DVD and sofa snuggles
Carrying her bags
WHAT’S NOT:
Splashing the cash
24 long stemmed roses
A spa day
Text messages
A weekend away
Hollywood kiss
Eating out
Multiplex cinema
The latest “IT” bag
A giant box of chocolates
1 December 2008 survey of 2,043 adults aged 16 and above
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