As February 14th approaches, the age-old question resurfaces: How do women really feel about Valentine’s Day in this modern age of love and relationships? Summer’s Eve, a leading brand in feminine care, decided to delve into the heart of the matter with its second annual Valentine’s Day survey in 2019. The results offer intriguing insights into women’s perspectives on everything from traditional romantic gestures to the importance of self-care during the season of love.
Valentine’s Day, often seen as a day of high expectations and grand romantic gestures, still holds sway for many women, with 71 percent of respondents expressing a preference for a classic romantic night out with their significant other. For 45 percent of women, the traditional trifecta of dinner, a movie, and flowers remains the epitome of Valentine’s Day bliss. However, a significant portion of respondents, comprising 23 percent, express a desire to celebrate the day unconventionally, whether by opting for a group date or spending time with friends.
When it comes to crafting the perfect Valentine’s Day, respondents had a variety of priorities. Unsurprisingly, a romantic dinner topped the list at 67 percent, followed closely by the desire for intimacy, with 49 percent of women expressing a desire for sex and 47 percent for intimate moments. Flowers and chocolates also ranked high on the list of desired Valentine’s Day treats, with 47 percent and 43 percent of respondents, respectively, hoping to receive these classic tokens of affection.
Interestingly, while the majority of women still prefer to spend Valentine’s Day with a significant other, more than a quarter opt to spend the day alone, and 22 percent choose to celebrate with friends. This reflects a growing trend towards self-care and independence, with 67 percent of respondents emphasizing the importance of self-care around Valentine’s Day. Surprisingly, when it comes to self-care, the vagina emerged as the body part most pampered, surpassing even the face in terms of attention.
Despite the enduring popularity of Valentine’s Day, the survey reveals a complex mix of emotions among women. While 57 percent consider the holiday overrated, 56 percent still feel pressure to secure a date for the occasion. This pressure has led some women to creative measures, with 24 percent admitting to finding a Valentine’s Day companion in a bar or club, and 23 percent turning to dating apps for assistance. In a surprising twist, a quarter of respondents have even rekindled relationships with exes to avoid spending the holiday alone.
Intimacy remains a focal point for many women on Valentine’s Day, with more than half of respondents (53 percent) considering it important to be intimate on the holiday. For some, this translates into a desire for new experiences, with 29 percent planning to try something sexually adventurous in honor of Valentine’s Day.
However, the holiday isn’t without its pitfalls. Three in 10 women have experienced a breakup either right before or on Valentine’s Day, with reasons ranging from avoiding making plans or buying gifts to simply wanting to embrace the freedom of being single. In fact, for older millennials, 66 percent cite avoiding plans or gifts as the reason behind a breakup around Valentine’s Day.
When it comes to date night essentials, women have their priorities straight, with cash, lip balm, makeup, perfume, and gum ranking among the top items carried in their date night bags. Feminine care products also make the list, reflecting a commitment to personal hygiene and well-being.
In the end, despite the mixed feelings and occasional challenges associated with Valentine’s Day, a majority of women (66 percent) still find something to love about the holiday. Whether it’s the roses, the romance, or simply the opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms, Valentine’s Day continues to hold a special place in the hearts of women everywhere. And with each passing year, women are finding new ways to make the holiday their own, whether by embracing self-care, celebrating friendship, or exploring new avenues of intimacy.
This survey, conducted online by OnePoll with a panel of 2,000 American women who celebrate Valentine’s Day, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving attitudes and behaviors of women during the season of love. As Valentine’s Day approaches, women everywhere are carving out their own paths to happiness and fulfillment, one rose petal at a time.
