How does Greater Manchester feel about Valentine's Day?

Are you a lover or a...

Recent surveys indicate a shift in how Britons approach Valentine's Day. 

Author - Sophie T

Happy Valentine's Day !

One study revealed that approximately 59% of individuals in relationships planned to celebrate the occasion, while 37% did not intend to mark the day. Among those opting out, 69% cited the holiday's commercialisation as a primary reason. 

Further research by YouGov highlighted that 12% of British men spent over £100 on Valentine's Day celebrations, compared to 5% of women. Traditional gifts remain popular, with 43% of participants giving cards, 25% choosing chocolates, and 20% opting for flowers. Notably, men were more inclined to give flowers, with 32% doing so, compared to 8% of women. 

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How views alter across different parts of Greater Manchester

Oldham: Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher, shared, "For me, Valentine's Day is a lovely reminder to appreciate my partner, but I don't feel the need for grand gestures. A heartfelt note means more than expensive gifts."

Rochdale: David, a 28-year-old engineer, remarked, "I see it as a commercial event. If you truly care about someone, you shouldn't wait for a specific day to show it."

Broken Hearted

Wigan: Emily, a 22-year-old student, noted, "Among my friends, we use Valentine's as an excuse for a 'Galentine's' celebration. It's more about friendship than romance for us."

Tameside: Linda, a 45-year-old nurse, commented, "After 20 years of marriage, we've moved past the typical Valentine's rituals. We prefer to spend quality time together without the pressure of the day."

Bolton: Mark, a 50-year-old shop owner, stated, "I enjoy surprising my wife with flowers, not because it's expected, but because it makes her happy. It's a personal tradition we've kept."

How do you feeling about dating apps | Check out this interesting article from Super News Affiliate

Commercialisation and changing traditions

The sentiment that Valentine's Day has become overly commercialised is prevalent. Many feel that the emphasis on purchasing gifts and dining out overshadows genuine expressions of affection. This perspective aligns with findings from Ipsos, where a significant number of respondents expressed reluctance to participate due to the day's commercial nature. 

See below for an example of how this commercialisation has evolved. This is from 2002. 

Despite this, retailers continue to market Valentine's-themed products. For instance, supermarkets like Asda have introduced love heart-shaped crumpets, appealing to those seeking festive yet affordable options. 

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