It might only feel like Christmas was yesterday, but Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Opinions can differ when it comes to the proclaimed day of love…some people think it’s pointless, whilst others see it as an opportunity to do something special with their partner.
A recent survey from Moneyboat has revealed that on average, Brits expect their partner to spend around £107 on them for Valentine’s Day. The survey looked at the expectations from partners when it comes to big events throughout the year, such as birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day.
The results showed that on average, men expect more to be spent on them than women (£88 vs. £55), whilst when it comes to age – it’s younger partners between the age of 18 to 24 who want the most to be spent on them, with an average expectation of £129.
Single people would expect more than those currently in relationships
Based on current relationship status, those who are married but separated would expect the most, with £91. This was followed by those who are married or in a domestic partnership, with an average expectation of £79.
| Relationship Status | How much they expect to be spent for Valentines Day, on average (£) |
| Married but separated from partner | 91.34 |
| Married / Domestic partnership | 79.43 |
| Never married, currently single | 79.27 |
| Relationship with a partner but not married or living with them | 71.22 |
| Living with a partner but not married to them | 61.75 |
| Divorced, currently single | 38.07 |
| Widowed, currently single | 16.72 |
London partners expect the most to be spent on them
It’s London partners who are expecting the most to be spent on them this February 14th, with an average expectation on £165. This was followed by Sheffield and Birmingham with around £89.
Exeter expects the least to be spent on them, with an average of £16 – followed by Edinburgh with £23 and Cardiff with £24.
Victoria Rusnac on if you should buy your situationship a present this Valentine’s Day
The survey revealed that those who were single, or wouldn’t consider themselves to be in a relationship would expect the most to be spent on them this Valentine’s, however if you’re single but dating, or even would consider yourself to be in a ‘situationship’ what’s the etiquette?
Moneyboat has spoken to intimacy coach Victoria Rusnac who has advised; “You want to be romantic, but don’t want to create a false sense of commitment, or ‘overdo it’? We all have been there. The best way is to give a small shared experience that will allow you to have fun together and create memories, without the ‘grand gesture’ of a tangible Valentine’s gift.”
If you’re in a new relationship and this is your first Valentine’s together, you might be wondering if you should keep it low-key or make it special, Victora advises that it’s important to first understand how they feel about the day itself and says; “Relationships require investment (not monetary necessarily!) and thoughtfulness. I would start by asking your partner what their attitude to Valentine’s Day is, as lots of people believe that everyday should be romantic. If they are into celebrating it, why not opting for a memorable experience that will act to bring you closer, rather than a physical gift. These don’t have to be expensive but may be something that will excite or be meaningful for the other person.”
You can find the full report here: https://www.moneyboat.co.uk/blog/how-much-should-you-be-spending-on-your-partner/
