Moms and Dads expect to get lucky on Valentine's Day

WILTON,USA: Valentine's Day is not just an opportunity for the young and single, with parents the group most likely to expect romance on Valentine's Day, according to new research released today by Toluna QuickSurveys.

Having children greatly increases a person's expectations of romance on Valentine's Day, with 63 per cent of parents expecting some or a lot of romance, compared to only 39 per cent of single adults. Around 1 in 25 respondents actually plan to conceive on the special day, and 1 in 50 intend to marry.

In general, the research found most Americans (54 per cent) think the traditionally romantic day is actually "corny," "stupid" or "Hallmark," yet around the same number of Americans (55 per cent) will spend $50 or more to mark the day, with presents ranging from electronics (the preferred present for 11 per cent of respondents) or art (3 per cent) through to more traditional presents such as lingerie (8 per cent), candy (34 per cent) or simply a card (the most popular option for nearly half - 49 per cent - of respondents).

More than one in four (26 per cent) shun the day entirely, instead opting to celebrate either on a weekend or any other time to avoid the Valentine's Day crowds.

Other findings from the report, which surveyed 2000 representative Americans, include:

Spend to get: There is a strong correlation between the amount of money spent and the expectation of romance. Those who plan to spend between $100 to $499 were eight times more likely to expect a lot of romance than those who plan to spend only $10 to $19 on Valentine's Day.

It's not a man's world: Men are most likely to spend between $100 to $499, while women are most likely to spend between $50 to $74 on Valentine's Day, indicating that men spend at least twice as much as women and feel significantly more pressure to do so, with almost half of male respondents (46 per cent) saying they felt pressured to buy a gift, compared to only 27 per cent of women.

Show me the money: Those on the West Coast will splash the most cash this Valentine's Day, with 29 per cent spending over $100 on the day (those in the Midwest are most likely to spend just between $30 and $49).

The Southern romance: Those who live in the South are the most likely to feel happy on Valentine's Day (59 per cent), as well as more likely to indulge in romantic gestures such as buying jewelery (23 per cent) and booking a hotel room for the night (10 per cent).

House Rules: Nearly one in ten (9 per cent) of respondents will change their Valentine's Day plans following the announcement that House of Cards will premiere on February 14.

Phil Ahad, VP of Toluna QuickSurveys, commented on the findings, "Valentine's Day is more than a great money spinner; it's a chance for couples to connect. Despite the fact it's corny, our research shows American men really rise to the occasion."