The 2015 relationship: You, your partner and Facebook
Love should be in the air in Exeter this weekend as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, yet new research finds old fashioned romance is under threat from 21st century living.
Michael Spiers Jewellers, renowned independent jewellers based in Exeter, polled people in the South West to gauge attitudes to love in 2015 and found that busy lifestyles and technology addictions are stunting relationships and putting a dampener on romance.*
The survey revealed 42% of people think that there are too many distractions in modern society that get in the way of true love. They point the finger of blame at the obsession with social media and smart phones, where Facebook is the third wheel on dates and constant checking of phones sucks the life out of intimate occasions.
Societal pressures are making themselves felt, with more than a quarter (26%) of people say they’re simply “too busy” to make time for a significant other in their life. And 18% of people think that it’s difficult to move relationships forward and plan for the future when factors like the expensive housing market get in their way.
Adam Spiers, Director at Michael Spiers Jewellers, said: “As Valentine’s Day approaches, we hear all sorts of romantic tales from customers who visit our Exeter store. It’s quite evident that busy lifestyles mean quality time is sacred and hard to come by in many relationships. Make this Valentine’s Day a special occasion; escape modern diversions, slow down, and make time for romance.”
The research found that 71% haven’t lost that loving feeling entirely, as they plan to either go out for a romantic meal this weekend or spend a cosy night in together. The majority (85%) plan to buy a token of their love, be that a card, chocolates or jewellery. In fact, the UK is expected to spend £595m on Valentine’s Day gifts this year.**
Adam Spiers adds: “It’s amazing how much a well thought out gift can mean to someone; they can end up treasuring it forever. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to surprise and spoil your partner with a romantic gesture.”
The survey also examined what people believe real love really means. For 44% of people it’s being there for each other in the good times and the bad. One in four (24%) believe it’s about doing the little things every day that shows your partner how much you care about them. And an incredibly romantic 18% say that love means looking forward to growing old together.
* Research conducted by Michael Spiers Jewellers in February 2015.
** Survey by the “Cupid Economic Index”, which polled 2000 people across the country.
