Brits Declare Grand Romantic Gestures Outdated

(MENAFN- SWNS Digital) Brits are declaring grand romantic gestures such as bouquets of red roses and slap-up restaurant meals to be outdated. As Valentine’s Day approaches, a poll of 2,000 adults revealed it’s the small, everyday gestures, not grand expensive displays, that matter most to 87 per cent of couples. A kiss and a hug (44 per cent), a home cooked meal (31 per cent) or a walk together (28 per cent) are some of the small gestures which make them feel most loved. Others believe snuggling in bed or on the sofa (27 per cent), holding hands (23 per cent), receiving thoughtful notes and messages (20 per cent) are also among the most loving things other halves can do. In fact, 66 per cent even feel loved by their partner when they take on household admin tasks such as ensuring bills are paid on time, managing insurance and keeping track of energy use with a smart meter at home. More than a third (37 per cent) of those polled described grand romantic gestures as nice but unnecessary, and a further 15 per cent confessed they feel cheesy or cringey. While 27 per cent went as far as to say they view them as financially wasteful. Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the poll, has teamed up with celebrity couple and Race Across the World 2025 runners up Molly Rainford and Tyler West, who said:“Love for us isn’t about grand gestures, it’s in the little things. “When we were competing on Race Across the World with such a limited budget, it was those small, practical gestures such as helping keep track of our expenses, or looking after one another when we were unwell, that meant the most.” Molly Rainford added:“Even now, whether it’s taking care of the household admin or using our smart meter display to stay on top of our energy use, it’s those tiny, everyday moments where we can help each other and have a laugh together, that make us feel cared for, not just on Valentine’s Day.” The study also found a quarter (24 per cent) of those polled reported thoughtful and helpful acts of service as their favourite way to give and receive love. And 57 per cent of couples who have lived together for 10-plus years prefer consistent practical actions over grand, romantic gestures. During a typical week, on average, those in relationships believe they carry out nine small acts of love for their significant other according to the OnePoll figures. With 32 per cent saying this rises during the week of love in February. Nearly half (46 per cent) of couples with smart meters consider keeping on top of their household energy usage as a way of showing they care. More than a quarter (27 per cent) say it has encouraged their household to be more energy efficient and 20 per cent of those also report saving money on their energy bills since getting one. In fact, smart meter owners who say they’ve saved money with their smart meter, believe they have reduced their bills by an average of £176 a year. Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said:“Our research shows that taking on some of the household admin can be a simple but meaningful way to show you care. “Small, practical actions such as taking on responsibility for monitoring energy usage, ensuring bills are paid on time or sharing the load of everyday household tasks, can make your partner feel supported. “With a smart meter display, households can get clear insight into their energy usage, making it easier to understand your energy consumption while staying in control of your bills.” To help couples turn these everyday responsibilities into meaningful acts of affection this Valentine’s Day, relationship expert, Vicki Pavitt, has created the ‘Little Acts of Love Guide’. RELATIONSHIP EXPERT VICKI PAVITT’S LITTLE ACTS OF LOVE GUIDE:

1. Words of affirmation - Compliment a home-cooked meal, send an unexpected text to let them know you’re thinking of them, or express gratitude for the little things they do around the house.
2. Quality time - Sit down for a cuppa together, ask them about their day, listen to your favourite music together, enjoy a device-free evening to connect, or go for a walk, just the two of you.
3. Gifts - Surprise them with small, thoughtful tokens of appreciation, like a new coffee mug, some cosy pyjamas, or picking up their favourite snack.
4. Physical touch - Offer a hug after a long day, hold hands, snuggle together while watching TV, or give your partner a goodnight kiss (six seconds is best to boost intimacy and release the bonding hormone oxytocin).
5. Acts of service - Show your love through helpful, caring actions such as cooking your partner’s favourite meal, taking something off their plate, offering to help with household tasks and admin without being asked, or using a smart meter display to monitor energy use and run appliances efficiently.

MENAFN11022026003911003267ID1110725667