The old Valentines cliché ‘Roses are red, violets are blue’ is dying out, a survey has shown. A study into the sentimental traits of Britain’s romantics found the majority are falling out of love with the famous poem – and eight in ten are ditching the traditional lines ‘Roses are red…’ from their cards this year, instead favouring a personal touch and a heartfelt message.
In fact, the country’s women are more about sentiment than material goods – a handwritten card is still the key to winning a partner’s heart and over half said it’s the most important thing to receive on Valentine’s Day.
And women are 13 times more likely to want this rather than a gift and just one in seven actually expect flowers.
Contrary to stereotype, youngsters still appreciate the traditional touch – 82% of 18-24’s prefer to receive their Valentine’s Day message by card and just 4% of the ‘90s generation would like to receive their message via social media.
The research, which was commissioned by Royal Mail, found that two thirds of the 2,000 people studied struggle to show their feelings when the big day rolls round.
Royal Mail teamed up with Relationship Expert, Sarah Abell, to give the nation a helping hand this Valentine’s Day and advice on how to say what you really feel.
Sarah said:
“It’s great to hear that Britons want to give a personal touch this Valentine’s Day but I expect there will be some people who’ll be worried about finding the right thing to say. Expressing words of love doesn’t come naturally to everyone.
“My advice would be keep it simple. If you don’t know where to start – think about the three things that you most love about your partner and write those down. Too often, we think lovely things but don’t express them.
“There is something very special about being able to re-read a Valentine’s Card that has wonderful comments written in it, and not just the ones that come printed in the inside!”
The study also found that Brits will spend ten minutes browsing the shelves for the perfect Valentine’s Day card and another ten contemplating the right words.
But the poetic language doesn’t always come easy and two thirds find it difficult to express themselves and share their love with their intended.
Perhaps that’s why a quarter of aspiring young Casanovas turn to plagiarism, with 26% aged 18-24 years old (26%) admitting to cheekily passing off a romantic message from a book or the internet as their own handiwork.
The study also found The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who celebrate their third wedding anniversary in April, were voted the most romantic celebrity couple.
The new parents topped the poll ahead of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and David and Victoria Beckham.
Meanwhile, the survey found that a less than caring 6% of men will be breaking hearts by dumping their partner on Valentine’s Day.
However, the majority of women need not fear, and can expect to be showered with gifts, as men are planning to splash the cash this Valentine’s Day – spending on average £31.85 on romancing their other half.
Men won’t be quite as lucky, with the average woman splashing out just £18.66.
