With retailers and publishers pinning their hopes on a strong Valentine’s Day trade, it is good to know that there is still some growth potential out there – with over a quarter of Britons admitting that they have never ever sent a Valentine’s Day card. As to the reasons why they have never put pen to paper to mark the most romantic day of the year, research findings from a recent study commissioned by Royal Mail included concern over being mocked (6%), the fact that they don’t believe their partner expects one (11%) and even worries about not having nice enough handwriting (1%).
The findings also highlighted the pulling power of Valentine’s Day cards, with sending one estimated to be three times more likely to secure a romantic date than a ‘like’, ‘swipe’ or email, according to Royal Mail’s study into modern dating habits.
Encouraging, 65% of Brits stated that a text or social media message is not a suitable substitute on Valentine’s Day for a heartfelt card, letter or note.
When asked why a handwritten missive is more likely to equal dating success, respondents cited the ‘personal touch’ of a physical note (78%), and their likelihood to stand out from the usual tirade of social media ‘likes’ and ‘swipes’ (38%). Some 45% cited the simple joy of receiving something in the post.
Just over one in ten (11%) Brits still prefer the art of mystery in a Valentine’s Day card, whereas over a third (36%) believe senders should proudly announce their identity.
But advocates of ‘going public’ claim that it is ‘better to be honest about feelings’ (39%), and the fact that an anonymous note could cause arguments between a couple (32%).
Other admissions from the study include that 5% admit to stealing song lyrics or lines from a film and passing it off as their own in a card while 1% of people have sent themselves a Valentine’s Day card in a bid to look more popular.
Mark Street, head of campaigns at Royal Mail commented: “While social media is a great way of keeping in touch on a day-to-day basis, a handwritten card, letter or note is one of the most heartfelt and romantic ways of showing the object of your affection that you care this Valentine’s Day – whether you’re in an established relationship or not.”
In another piece of research, Royal Mail has unveiled that silver-haired sirens including David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench and Paul Hollywood are some of the nation’s top choices for fantasy love letter senders.
The study, released to coincide with Valentine’s Day, also revealed a penchant for Game of Thrones stars, as the likes of Kit Harrington, Emilia Clarke and Richard Madden featured heavily in the lists for both ladies and gentlemen.
The Gentlemen
| 1. Idris Elba (18%) |
| 2. Kit Harrington (11%) |
| 3, Richard Madden (8%). |
| 4. David Beckham (8%) |
| 5. Eddie Redmayne (8%) |
| 6. Louis Theroux (6%) |
| 7. Danny Dyer (6%) |
| 8. Sir David Attenborough (5%) |
| 9. Brian Blessed (4%) |
| 10. Paul Hollywood (4%) |
The Ladies
| 1. Holly Willoughby (14%) |
| 2. Rachel Riley (11%) |
| 3. Emilia Clarke (9%) |
| 4. Dawn French (8%) |
| 5. Dame Judi Dench (6%) |
| 6. Nigella Lawson (6%) |
| 7. Olivia Colman (5%) |
| 8. Emily Blunt (5%) |
| 9. Susanna Reid (5%) |
| 10. Rachel Weisz (4%) |
